Israel claimed responsibility for a deadly airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday, targeting senior commanders of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The strike, which killed at least 11 high-ranking officials, including Ibrahim Aqil, the leader of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan unit, is the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the group. This incident adds to a series of operations targeting top figures in the year-long conflict, demonstrating the escalating tensions between the two sides.
Here’s a look at some key recent operations blamed on Israel that targeted leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas:
Hezbollah
*
Ibrahim Aqil:
Known by aliases “Tahsin” and “Abdelqader,” Aqil was killed in the September 20 airstrike. He was linked by the US to the deadly 1983 bombings that targeted American interests in Lebanon.*
Fuad Shukr:
Hezbollah’s top military commander, Shukr, was killed in a July 30 airstrike. A key figure in Hezbollah since its inception over four decades ago, Shukr was considered the right-hand man of the group’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. He was sanctioned by the US in 2015 for his role in the 1983 Marine barracks bombing.*
Mohammed Nasser:
Killed in an airstrike on July 3, Nasser was the head of a Hezbollah unit responsible for attacks along the southwestern Lebanon-Israel border. Israel took responsibility for his death, stating that he led operations along the frontier.*
Taleb Abdallah:
A senior Hezbollah field commander, Abdallah, died in an Israeli strike on June 12. The strike targeted a command center in southern Lebanon, triggering a barrage of rocket fire from Hezbollah into Israel. Abdallah held a prominent position along the central southern border.Hamas
*
Mohammed Deif:
Israel announced the killing of Mohammed Deif, a senior Hamas military leader, in a strike on Khan Younis in Gaza on July 13. Deif, who had survived multiple assassination attempts by Israel, was believed to be a key figure behind the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel. Hamas, however, has not confirmed his death.*
Ismail Haniyeh:
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a missile strike in Iran on July 31, according to the militant group. He was staying in a state guesthouse when the attack occurred. Israel has not taken responsibility for this strike.*
Saleh al-Arouri:
An Israeli drone strike on January 2, 2024, targeted Saleh al-Arouri, Hamas’ deputy chief, in the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh. Arouri was also the founder of the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing.The escalating targeting of top figures within Hezbollah and Hamas demonstrates the heightened tensions and ongoing conflict between Israel and these militant groups. These attacks are a significant development in the region, with potential implications for future stability and peace in the Middle East.
