Israel has announced the death of Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander, in a targeted airstrike in Beirut. The Israeli military’s statement asserts that Shukr, who was a high-ranking military leader in Hezbollah, was eliminated in response to his alleged involvement in a deadly rocket attack on northern Israel.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Shukr was responsible for the Majdal Shams attack, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children. The attack, which took place on Saturday, involved an Iranian Falaq-1 rocket fired at a soccer field in northern Israel.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a military spokesman, described Shukr as the “most senior military commander and the head of Hezbollah’s strategic unit,” emphasizing his role in planning and directing attacks. Hagari also noted Shukr’s close ties to Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and his responsibility for various advanced weaponry used by the militant group.
The IDF’s statement highlighted Shukr’s involvement in the 1990s abduction of the bodies of three Israeli soldiers—Benyamin Avraham, Adi Avitan, and Omar Sawaid—who were killed by Hezbollah. The military asserted that Shukr had been responsible for numerous attacks on Israeli civilians over the years.
The military action comes amid ongoing tensions and violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with the IDF indicating its readiness for any potential escalation. “While we prefer to resolve hostilities without a wider war, the IDF is fully prepared for any scenario,” Hagari stated.
The Israeli government has reiterated its desire to avoid a broader conflict, but it remains vigilant against further aggression from Hezbollah, which has intensified its attacks in recent times. The strike on Shukr is part of Israel’s broader strategy to address what it views as persistent threats from Hezbollah and other militant groups in the region.
Sources By Agencies
