Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Southern Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday that they initiated attacks on Hezbollah military targets located in southern Lebanon.
The military stated these actions targeted terrorist infrastructure and several weapons storage facilities linked to Hezbollah’s Radwan unit. They accused Radwan’s forces of “rebuilding terrorist infrastructure” aimed at causing harm to Israel.
The IDF press release pointed out that “weapons storage facilities were built in civilian areas,” emphasizing Hezbollah’s strategy of using Lebanese civilians as human shields during operations outside of those areas.
Reports from Israeli media indicated that drones had attacked a Hezbollah construction facility near the coastal city of Tire. Ynet reported, citing the IDF, that this facility was allegedly involved in producing equipment for repairing infrastructure previously damaged by Israel.
Warnings from Israel
As airstrikes were prepared, the IDF urged residents of Al Taybeh and Tayy Deba to evacuate. They provided a map indicating areas that could become dangerous if attacks commenced.
The IDF urged, “If you are near a building associated with Hezbollah, please leave immediately for your safety and move at least 500 meters away.”
This warning followed remarks from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who stated, “Hezbollah is playing with fire, and the Lebanese president is dragging his feet.” He stressed that the Lebanese government’s commitment to dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons in south Lebanon needs to be honored, adding that the pressure would continue to grow, as threats to northern Israel’s population would not be tolerated.
Hezbollah Casualties
The IDF claimed to have killed around 20 Hezbollah militants engaged in activities violating agreements between Israel and Lebanon.
Additionally, the IDF announced the death of Hussein Jaber Dib, a member of Hezbollah’s Radwan unit, who was implicated in promoting attacks against Israel.
A couple of days earlier, Israeli forces confirmed the death of two Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon. Among them was Mohammed Ali Hadid, a senior member of the Radwan unit, who was eliminated in Nabatiyeh, while another operative was struck in Aita ash Shab while gathering intelligence on Israeli positions.
A senior IDF officer stationed on the northern border shared in an exclusive interview that Hezbollah remains equipped and funded by Iran.
Concerns Over Hezbollah’s Armament
It was noted that even as tensions escalate, Hezbollah has not relinquished its heavy weapons. The officer stated, “They’re still being trained, they’re still being funded by Iran, and they’re still trying to re-establish themselves. Our job is to make sure they don’t succeed.”
Earlier this summer, Israel undertook a significant offensive against Iran, labeled “Operation Rising Lion.” This extensive military operation, lasting 12 days, also involved the United States and aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities in various key locations.
