Israel Drone Strike Kills Senior Hezbollah Commander in Southern Lebanon

Beirut: The Israeli military has confirmed that it carried out a drone strike in southern Lebanon, killing a senior Hezbollah commander. The strike targeted the town of Blida and resulted in the death of Ali Ibar al-Nabi Khadi, identified by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as the deputy head of Hezbollah’s military outpost in the Mhaibib area.

A separate report by a Lebanese security source, speaking anonymously to the media, identified the deceased as Ali Abdel Nabi Hijazi, a Hezbollah operative from Blida. According to the source, the target was hit while riding a motorcycle in the nearby village of Aitaroun. Lebanon’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre also confirmed the incident.

In a related development, the Lebanese Army announced on Thursday that it had dismantled an Israeli surveillance device discovered in Blida. Authorities urged civilians not to approach such devices due to the high risk they pose.

Although a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect since November 27, 2024—brokered by the United States and France—sporadic hostilities have continued. The truce followed over a year of border clashes that were sparked by the war in the Gaza Strip. Despite the agreement, the Israeli military has continued to launch targeted strikes in Lebanon, citing ongoing threats from Hezbollah.

In a statement on Thursday, the Israeli military said it had conducted further airstrikes in both southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. It claimed the attacks targeted Hezbollah and Hamas infrastructure. “The IDF will operate against any attempts by Hezbollah to rebuild or establish a military presence under the guise of civilian cover,” the statement read, without elaborating further.

Meanwhile, in northern Gaza, the Israeli army and Shin Bet—the country’s domestic intelligence agency—carried out a joint operation in the Jabalia area. They reported striking a Hamas command and control center used to coordinate attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.

The renewed military actions signal rising tensions in the region, despite diplomatic efforts to maintain calm. Israel has reiterated its commitment to countering what it describes as terrorist threats from Hezbollah and Hamas, both of which are backed by Iran.