On Thursday afternoon, Israel carried out airstrikes in the southern outskirts of Lebanon. The Israeli military stated that they had successfully killed a senior leader of Hezbollah.
According to the Israeli military, on Thursday afternoon, they targeted a Hezbollah stronghold in Dahiyeh in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The attack was aimed at Mohammad Surur, the leader of Hezbollah’s aerial unit, who was responsible for the organization’s drone fleet, cruise missiles, and air defenses.
Hezbollah confirmed Surur’s death in a statement on Friday. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that the attack resulted in two deaths and 15 injuries, including a woman in critical condition.
This was one of Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah bases in Lebanon within a week, marking the fourth attack targeting Hezbollah commanders. Since Monday, Israel’s assaults in Lebanon have resulted in over 600 deaths.
According to the Israeli military, Surur orchestrated numerous airstrikes against Israel. In recent years, he led Hezbollah’s drone manufacturing efforts and established suicide drone production centers throughout Lebanon, with some located beneath civilian structures in Beirut.
On the Israeli side of the border adjacent to Lebanon, the Israeli military conducted a simulated ground invasion exercise. This action followed the bombing of Hezbollah’s paging and communication equipment and subsequent airstrikes.
Israeli Air Force Commander Tomer Bar stated on Thursday evening that the Israeli Air Force is planning to assist ground forces in upcoming operations and will prevent the transfer of weapons from Iran.
“We are fighting alongside the Northern Command to prepare for ground operations,” he told Israeli soldiers in a video message.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the United Nations General Assembly on Friday. Upon arriving in New York, Netanyahu informed reporters that Israeli forces would “strike with full force” against Hezbollah.
“We will not stop until we achieve all objectives, most importantly, ensuring the safe return of residents in the north to their homes,” Netanyahu stated.
Various international parties, including the United States, are working towards a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The U.S., France, the EU, and other countries jointly called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire.
French President Macron announced plans to convene a new UN Security Council meeting to advance this proposal.
The White House revealed that many U.S. officials, including Middle East envoy Brett McGurk, are in discussions with Israeli officials. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to meet with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
In London, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin warned of the risk of a full-scale war in the Middle East but noted that diplomatic solutions are still possible.
Austin emphasized, “So, let me be clear, Israel and Lebanon have different paths they can choose, despite the recent sharp escalation in conflict in the past few days, diplomatic solutions remain possible.”
Hezbollah has launched hundreds of missiles toward Israel, including targeting the commercial hub of Tel Aviv. However, Israel’s air defense systems have intercepted most of the attacks.
The Israeli military announced that they intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Thursday night. The Houthi armed group in Yemen, aligned with Hezbollah and Hamas, has repeatedly attacked Israel, claiming to support Palestinians in Gaza.