Israel’s military said on Monday (February 17) that they killed a Hamas leader in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, accusing him of planning attacks on Israel from Lebanese territory.
The Israeli military statement identified the slain individual as Muhammad Shaheen, the head of Hamas’ operational unit in Lebanon. They alleged that Shaheen, with guidance and support from Iran, had been involved in planning “terror actions” against Israeli citizens from Lebanese soil.
Earlier, two Lebanese security sources had informed Reuters that Israel targeted a car in Sidon, a southern Lebanese port city, aiming at a Hamas official affiliated with a Palestinian armed group.
The Israeli military added in their statement, “Shaheen was an important source of intelligence for the terrorist organization and was responsible for multiple terrorist attacks and rocket launches targeting Israeli civilians throughout the conflict.”
Lebanon’s state news agency reported that a body was removed from the vehicle, but did not disclose the victim’s identity.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, Israel has been engaging not only against Hamas but also against its allies, including Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, these Iran-backed armed groups have been continuously launching rockets, drones, and artillery attacks from Lebanon towards northern Israel.
According to a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States in November last year, Israel was granted 60 days to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon. Since early October, the Israeli military has been launching ground offensives against Hezbollah fighters in the region.
Although the deadline was later extended to February 18, sources informed Reuters last week that the Israeli military requested to maintain troops at five positions in southern Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged supporters of the agreement to pressure Israel to complete the troop withdrawal before the deadline on Tuesday.