In a dramatic escalation of the conflict, Israel launched a series of deadly airstrikes in central Beirut on Thursday, aiming to eliminate Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking security official within Hezbollah. While Safa managed to evade the attack, the strikes left a devastating mark on Lebanon’s capital, claiming the lives of 22 people and injuring over 117 others. This incident marks a significant shift in Israel’s strategy, moving away from its earlier focus on Hezbollah’s stronghold in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The attack on a densely populated neighborhood is being viewed as a major escalation in Benjamin Netanyahu’s military campaign. It raises significant concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region.
But who is Wafiq Safa, the target of this audacious assassination attempt?
Wafiq Safa is a prominent figure in Hezbollah, holding the position of head of the organization’s coordination and liaison unit. This unit is responsible for interacting with Lebanese security agencies, fostering a delicate balance between the militant group and the state. Safa’s importance within Hezbollah stems from his long-standing connection to the group’s leadership. He is the brother-in-law of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s long-time leader.
Born in 1960 in the village of Zabdine near Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, Safa has been a key figure in Hezbollah for decades. His influence extends beyond security matters, encompassing both political and military activities within the organization.
According to the US Treasury website, Safa is accused of using Lebanese ports and border crossings to facilitate the movement of Hezbollah personnel and materials. He is believed to have been instrumental in smuggling illegal drugs and weapons into Beirut, leveraging his position to circumvent scrutiny. Safa is also accused of facilitating travel for Hezbollah associates through border crossings.
Hezbollah’s security committee, now known as the Liaison and Coordination Unit, was established by Nasrallah in 1987, with Safa appointed as its head. This unit played a pivotal role in coordinating the group’s operations and maintaining its presence in Lebanon.
Safa’s involvement in negotiations has been significant. He was a key figure in the 2000 negotiations for the exchange of three Israeli soldiers who were kidnapped. Their bodies were returned in 2004 as part of a deal. He also participated in negotiations to recover two Israeli soldiers abducted before the Second Lebanon War in July 2006, whose remains were returned in July 2008.
In 2021, Safa reportedly intervened in the investigation into the devastating Beirut port explosion, attempting to influence the judge overseeing the investigation. His alleged interference aimed to protect Hezbollah-aligned politicians from scrutiny.
The Israeli airstrikes on Beirut highlight the complex and volatile situation in Lebanon, where tensions between Hezbollah and Israel continue to simmer. The assassination attempt on Safa represents a significant escalation and underscores the dangers posed by the ongoing conflict.
