Israeli Army Claims Kounine Strike ‘Eliminated’ Hezbollah Commander

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon resulted in the death of a key Hezbollah missile unit commander, amid ongoing exchanges of fire across the Lebanon-Israel border that have persisted for several months.

The Israeli Defense Forces targeted and hit a vehicle in Kounine, Lebanon, where Ismail al-Zein, a significant figure within Hezbollah’s Anti-Tank Missile Unit of the Radwan Forces, was present, according to the Israeli military.

While Hezbollah acknowledged al-Zein’s death, it did not confirm his affiliation with the Radwan Forces, which are considered an elite group within the organization. This incident is part of a larger pattern of hostilities that have escalated since Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, leading to a conflict in Gaza.

The village where the strike occurred is roughly 10 kilometers from the border with Israel. This action follows an earlier strike by Israel that claimed the life of the deputy head of Hezbollah’s rocket unit in southern Lebanon, further intensifying the confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, following a review of the army’s northern command, stated Israel’s commitment to continuing its operations against Hezbollah, emphasizing a policy of retaliation for attacks originating from Lebanon.

Additionally, a separate strike in Syria reportedly killed seven Hezbollah fighters, although Israel has not commented on this particular incident. Gallant highlighted a strategic shift in Israel’s approach to Hezbollah, from defensive to offensive, aiming to target Hezbollah’s operations directly.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement on both sides, with the majority of those killed in Lebanon being Hezbollah fighters and civilians, according to reports. Hezbollah has stated its attacks on Israel are in support of Palestinians and Hamas, which launched an attack on Israel in October, leading to a heavy death toll and sparking Israel’s extensive military response in Gaza.