Israel announced that its forces killed Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem in airstrikes on Beirut.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) also confirmed the death of Ali Yusuf Harshi, Qassem’s nephew and personal secretary, during the same operation.
Harshi played a crucial role in Hezbollah’s leadership, managing and securing Qassem’s operations. The IDF described the strike as part of a broader campaign targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure and leadership network across Lebanon.
“The IDF eliminated Na’im Qassem, Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah, in Beirut,” the military said. It added that the operation struck multiple terror infrastructures in southern Lebanon and delivered a direct blow to Hezbollah’s command and logistics systems.
Hezbollah has not yet confirmed Israel’s claim. The strikes came amid escalating regional tensions following Israel’s overnight bombardment of Lebanon. The attacks hit central Beirut and southern regions, destroying weapons depots, launchers, and command centres.
Israel clarified that the ceasefire announced in its conflict with Iran does not apply to Hezbollah. The Iran-backed group also refused to join the truce, continuing rocket fire toward northern Israel.
