Israeli strike kills senior Hezbollah commander in south Lebanon

Running parallel to the Gaza conflict, the clashes have heightened fears of a broader and devastating war between the well-armed adversaries, prompting diplomatic efforts by the U.S. to de-escalate tensions.

Hezbollah confirmed the death of the commander, Mohammed Nasser, declaring him a martyr without providing further details. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.

Sources indicated that Nasser oversaw Hezbollah operations along the frontier, where the ongoing conflict marks the most intense since the 2006 war. The strike occurred outside Tyre in southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of Nasser, another Hezbollah fighter, and a civilian.

Nasser's importance to Hezbollah was comparable to that of Taleb Abdallah, another senior commander killed in an Israeli strike in June. That incident had led to retaliatory strikes by Hezbollah involving drones and rockets.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Wednesday that Israeli forces were prepared to take necessary actions against Hezbollah, though they preferred a negotiated resolution.

"We are actively targeting Hezbollah daily, and we are prepared to respond decisively in Lebanon or negotiate from a position of strength. Negotiation is our preference, but we are prepared for any scenario," Gallant said in a statement from his office.

The ongoing conflict has exacted a heavy toll on both sides, displacing tens of thousands of people. Israeli attacks in Lebanon have reportedly killed over 300 Hezbollah fighters and 87 civilians, while Lebanon's fire into Israel has claimed the lives of 18 soldiers and 10 civilians.