A senior Hezbollah military commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday, marking a significant escalation in ongoing tensions and raising fears of full-scale war.
Hezbollah confirmed the death of Ibrahim Aqil, who was reported to be among several high-ranking members of the group killed in the strike. Lebanese officials reported that at least 14 people died and dozens were injured in the attack on the densely populated Dahieh area, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut.
Rosemary DiCarlo, a senior UN official, warned that the Middle East is at risk of a conflict that could surpass the devastation already witnessed. Her comments came during a Security Council session that followed this week’s violence, which included explosions linked to Hezbollah’s communication devices that killed at least 37 people.
In Beirut, emergency responders rushed to the scene to assist the wounded and search for those trapped under collapsed buildings. The attack also led to road closures, with Hezbollah members visibly shocked by the latest blow to their organization.
Friday’s airstrike was the first to target Beirut since July, when Hezbollah’s military chief, Fuad Shukr, was killed. According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari, Aqil was a commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces and was killed along with other senior operatives. He claimed they were hiding underground among civilians, effectively using them as human shields.
Hagari stated that the individuals were involved in planning Hezbollah’s “Conquer the Galilee” operation, which aimed to infiltrate Israeli communities and harm civilians. This plan was first mentioned by the Israeli military in 2018.
The U.S. had been searching for Aqil, offering rewards for information about him due to his senior role in Hezbollah, designated a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and the UK. Aqil had ties to major attacks in the 1980s, including the bombings of the U.S. embassy in Beirut.
Hezbollah confirmed Aqil’s death, referring to him as one of its “great jihadist leaders.” The group, founded in the early 1980s with support from Iran, was established in response to Israeli occupation during Lebanon’s civil war.
Earlier that day, Hezbollah launched strikes on military sites in northern Israel, firing 140 rockets. This came after Israel conducted extensive airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting more than 100 Hezbollah positions.
Since the escalation of cross-border fighting on October 8, following the Hamas attack on Israel, hundreds have been killed, primarily Hezbollah fighters, with tens of thousands displaced.
Israel has shifted its focus to the northern front, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announcing a “new phase of the war.” The recent explosions in Lebanon have heightened security concerns, revealing significant vulnerabilities in Hezbollah’s communication systems.
In a televised address, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned Israel’s actions, vowing punishment but suggesting his group was not seeking further escalation. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habbib criticized Israel for undermining diplomatic ceasefire efforts, while Israel’s UN envoy maintained that the country would not tolerate Hezbollah provocations.
UN political affairs chief DiCarlo warned that the situation could lead to greater conflict and urged influential member states to act. The U.S. and UK have advised their citizens against traveling to Lebanon, with the White House involved in efforts to prevent further escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border.
