Israeli strikes target Hezbollah leadership Escalating tensions on Lebanese border

In a military escalation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly killed 20 commanders of the radical Shiite group Hezbollah in a targeted strike in Lebanon.

An Israeli official confirmed that this strike specifically targeted the high command of the Radwan Forces, underscoring Israel's growing resolve to confront threats along its northern border, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

As tensions escalate, Israel has shifted its approach to Hezbollah, with Dmitry Gendelman, adviser to Israeli Prime Minister, declaring that previous red lines no longer apply.

“Every Hezbollah terrorist or any other hostile force north of our borders is henceforth a legitimate target,” Gendelman stated, indicating a new level of confrontation.

He stressed that any aggression from Hezbollah would result in severe consequences, suggesting that the group's leadership has underestimated Israel's determination to protect its sovereignty.

“For some reason, Hezbollah’s leadership seems to believe it’s acceptable to continuously attack and threaten Israel through their theatrical broadcasts and parades,” Gendelman remarked.

Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces reported a precise strike in Beirut that resulted in the elimination of one of Hezbollah’s commanders, Ibrahim Aqil, along with several other members of the militia’s command staff. The Israeli military indicated that these individuals were responsible for planning incursions into northern Israel.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah mourns loss of one of its its leaders Ibrahim Aqil in Israeli strikes.

Hezbollah has confirmed the martyrdom of its leader and military commander, Hajj Ibrahim Aqil, also known as "Abdul Qader," who was killed during Israeli aggression in Beirut's Southern Suburb on September 20, 2024.

Born in 1962 in the village of Bednayel, Baalbeck, Aqil was a founding member of Hezbollah's military wing, playing a crucial role in the resistance against Israeli occupation in Lebanon during the 1980s.

Throughout his career, Aqil held several key positions, including overseeing central training in the early 1990s and leading operations in Jabal Amel until the liberation of Lebanon. He was instrumental in developing the Islamic Resistance's capabilities and served as an assistant to Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, starting in 2008.

Aqil distinguished himself during the 2006 conflict with Israel and later played a significant role in the formation and leadership of the Radwan Force. His strategic influence extended beyond Lebanon; he was involved in planning operations against Takfiri groups along Lebanon's eastern borders and supported Palestinian resistance efforts, particularly during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.