Israel Strikes Lebanon, Killing Hezbollah Commander, While West Bank Clashes Intensify
A wave of violence has engulfed the Middle East, with Israel launching multiple strikes on southern Lebanon, killing a senior Hezbollah commander, while simultaneously escalating its military operations in the West Bank, CNN reports.
The most recent escalation began with an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday in the Lebanese village of Qaraoun, which killed Mohammed Qassem Al-Shaer, a commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Al-Shaer was responsible for “numerous terrorist activities against the state of Israel” and his elimination would hinder Hezbollah’s ability to launch attacks from southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah confirmed Al-Shaer’s death and retaliated by launching “dozens” of Katyusha rockets and several drones towards northern Israel. The IDF reported no casualties and stated that some of the projectiles were intercepted, while others fell in open areas. They responded by striking Hezbollah launchers in the areas of Mansouri and At Tiri.
The IDF followed up with overnight strikes on Wednesday, targeting 30 Hezbollah launchers and “terrorist infrastructure sites” in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media reported extensive damage to property and buildings in the town of Al-Qlaileh.
The latest attacks come weeks after Israel killed Hezbollah’s most senior military official, Fu’ad Shukr, in a drone strike in Beirut. The July hostilities raised concerns of a regional conflict, prompting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Simultaneously, in the occupied West Bank, tensions remain high. Israeli airstrikes in the areas of Tammon and Tubas killed at least five Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The IDF claimed the operation targeted “terrorist infrastructures” and an “armed terrorist squad.” The raid on Tubas included a curfew and the blocking of access to the government hospital.
The latest escalation in the West Bank follows a large counter-terror operation launched on August 28 in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas, described by Israel as its most expansive in years. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated the operation aimed to “thwart Islamic-Iranian terrorist infrastructure” and counter Iran’s alleged efforts to establish an “eastern front” against Israel.
Since Israel’s war in Gaza began on October 7, the West Bank has seen a significant increase in clashes, resulting in the deaths of over 700 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the UN.
