Tragedy struck in northern Israel as a Hezbollah rocket attack in Metula claimed the lives of five individuals, including an Israeli farmer and four foreign agricultural workers. The attack occurred along the Israel-Lebanon border, leaving one foreign worker seriously injured. This incident followed an Israel Defense Forces airstrike that targeted and eliminated Mustafa Ahmad Shahadi, a commander within Hezbollah's special forces unit.
The IDF stated that Shahadi was responsible for orchestrating numerous terror attacks against Israel and played a key role in the Radwan Forces' operations in Syria and southern Lebanon. The airstrike near Nabatieh was part of efforts to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities to carry out terror activities against IDF troops and communities along the northern border.
Israel's military has been vigilant in combating Hezbollah's aggressive plans, including the 'Conquer the Galilee' strategy, which aims to replicate a large-scale massacre on Israel's northern border. The IDF emphasized its commitment to safeguarding Israeli citizens by targeting terrorists and commanders of the Hezbollah organization.
Meanwhile, Lebanon reported casualties from Israeli strikes near Baalbek, with 19 individuals, including eight women, losing their lives. The IDF clarified that these strikes were aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's command and control centers and terrorist infrastructure in the region.
Notably, the IDF accused Hezbollah of using civilian infrastructure in Lebanon to plan and execute terrorist activities, putting Lebanese civilians at risk. Prior to the strikes, Israeli authorities issued warnings for residents to evacuate for their safety, emphasizing that the operations were directed solely at Hezbollah targets.
As tensions escalate in the region, the IDF remains resolute in its mission to counter Hezbollah's threats and protect the security of Israel and its citizens.
