Israeli Airstrike Kills Radwan Force Commander as New Hezbollah Leader Delivers Inaugural Speech

In a targeted airstrike on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated Mustafa Ahmad Shahadi, Deputy Commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh region. Shahadi, known for his role in coordinating Hezbollah’s operations in Syria from 2012 to 2017, was reportedly responsible for planning multiple attacks from southern Lebanon. The strike occurred just as Hezbollah’s newly appointed leader, Naim Qassem, was preparing to deliver his first public address.

Qassem’s speech, interrupted briefly due to what Hezbollah described as “technical issues,” emphasized a commitment to carry on the “political, cultural, and jihad” objectives set by his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in a recent Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Hashem Safieddine, widely expected to succeed Nasrallah, was also killed by Israel, leading to Qassem’s recent appointment. In a provocative statement, Qassem claimed Hezbollah’s attacks were designed to protect Lebanon and pledged continued support for Gaza.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant responded to Qassem’s speech, tweeting, “Temporary appointment. Not for long,” in reference to Qassem’s new leadership.

Qassem’s speech included pointed threats against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alluding to a recent Hezbollah drone attack on Netanyahu’s home. “Netanyahu is afraid of the drones we launched towards his house. This time he was saved,” Qassem remarked, before adding that Hezbollah would retaliate for any Israeli actions against its leaders.

Wednesday saw further escalations along the Israel-Lebanon border. In Metula, two Israeli civilians sustained shrapnel injuries following a Hezbollah rocket barrage, while a Hezbollah-launched drone damaged an industrial facility in Nahariya, showing the persistent threat to northern Israeli communities. Hezbollah’s daily rocket and drone attacks have forced more than 68,000 Israelis to evacuate their homes near the border, as Hezbollah leaders have vowed to prevent Israelis from returning to these areas.

Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War, Hezbollah is prohibited from conducting operations in southern Lebanon. However, the Iran-backed group has continued to operate in the region, leveraging its infrastructure to launch attacks against Israel in the wake of the October 7 assault by Hamas, which left 1,200 dead and saw over 250 individuals taken hostage.

Israel’s strategy of targeting high-ranking Hezbollah figures underscores its commitment to countering these ongoing threats. As hostilities intensify, the region faces continued instability, with both sides preparing for prolonged confrontation.

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