In a significant escalation of its military campaign against Hezbollah, Israel has launched airstrikes in Lebanon aimed at high-profile targets, including Hashem Safieddine, the potential successor to Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Reports indicate that Safieddine has been out of contact since Friday following an Israeli airstrike on an underground bunker in Beirut’s southern suburbs late Thursday.
The Lebanese security sources reported that the ongoing Israeli strikes on the Dahiyeh neighborhood have hampered rescue efforts in the aftermath of the attack. As of now, Hezbollah has not commented on Safieddine’s status or the airstrikes.
Israeli military officials, including Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, have stated that the airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters, and assessments are still ongoing regarding the impact of the strikes. The loss of Safieddine would further destabilize Hezbollah’s leadership, which has already been significantly weakened by recent Israeli operations.
In the past year, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, particularly in response to cross-border fire from Hezbollah following Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023. Since then, fighting has expanded beyond the border area, with Israel conducting raids in southern Lebanon and striking northern cities like Tripoli.
Israeli military operations aim to secure the safe return of its citizens to northern Israel, which has been under fire from Hezbollah since the conflict reignited. The assault has resulted in considerable casualties among both Hezbollah fighters and Lebanese civilians, with hundreds reported killed and 1.2 million displaced.
The situation remains volatile as air raid sirens sound across northern Israel in response to rocket fire from Lebanon. As the anniversary of Hamas’ attacks approaches, tensions are heightened, and military responses continue to be deliberated.
On the geopolitical front, U.S. President Joe Biden has advised Israel to consider alternatives to striking Iranian oil facilities in light of recent escalations, while Israeli officials are evaluating their options in response to Iran’s involvement in the conflict.
Sources By Agencies
