Written By Lisa Murimi
Israel has announced the death of a top Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, following an air strike on a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military described the operation as an “intelligence-based elimination.”
Hezbollah has yet to confirm Shukr’s death but acknowledged that he was in the targeted building in Daniyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold, during the strike. The group also reported multiple casualties and ongoing efforts to clear the rubble.
Shukr was reportedly responsible for a recent rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which killed 12 people, mostly children. Hezbollah has denied involvement in the attack.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the strike as “blatant Israeli aggression” and a “criminal act” violating international law. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant justified the strike, stating that “Hezbollah crossed the red line.”
The US was informed of the strike beforehand, according to an Israeli official. Shukr, a senior adviser to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, was implicated by the US in the 1983 bombing of a US Marines barracks in Beirut, for which there is a $5 million reward for information.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed hope to avoid a wider war between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite the recent escalation, Israeli officials indicated no immediate plans for further action, seeking to prevent an all-out conflict.
The region has seen heightened tensions following an October escalation after Hamas’ attack on Israel, with Hezbollah supporting Hamas and opening a limited front in northern Israel. World leaders, including UK officials, have urged restraint to avoid a broader conflict.
