Israeli airstrike kills key Hezbollah, Iranian Army operative in Beirut

Israel's military, along with the Shin Bet and Mossad intelligence agencies, has confirmed the overnight strike in Beirut on April 1, 2025, which killed a senior operative associated with both Hezbollah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force.

The targeted individual was identified as Hassan Bdair, a key member of Hezbollah's Unit 3900 and a representative of the IRGC Quds Force, according to a joint statement from Israel's defence establishment, Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

The statement revealed that Bdair had been operating in close coordination with Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, and was actively involved in planning a "significant and imminent terror attack" targeting Israeli civilians. The Israeli military described the attack as a preemptive measure, carried out by fighter jets, following intelligence that suggested the planned assault was near execution.

Bdair's death marks a significant strike against Hezbollah and the Quds Force, both of which are designated as terrorist organizations by Israel and several other countries. This operation is seen as part of Israel's ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist activities in the region, particularly those involving Hezbollah and Iran, which are considered major threats to Israeli security.

The rare public comments from Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency, reflect the sensitivity and high stakes of the operation. The attack, which took place in southern Beirut, is viewed as a significant step in Israel's strategy to preemptively neutralize perceived threats from Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militant groups operating within the region.

On March 29, the Israeli military announced an expansion of its ground operations in Rafah, targeting Hamas infrastructure and attempting to widen the buffer zone along the Gaza border. The military claims these efforts are crucial for limiting the capabilities of Hamas and securing the borders.

As the conflict continues to escalate, both international figures and Israeli activists are calling for a ceasefire and a potential hostage exchange deal.

By Vafa Guliyeva