The cross-border tensions between Israel and Lebanon flared up after Hezbollah stepped up its attacks since the Hamas war

The cross-border tensions between Israel and Lebanon flared up after Hezbollah stepped up its attacks since the Hamas war

The cross-border tensions between Israel and Lebanon flared up after Hezbollah stepped up its attacks since the Hamas war

With the targeted airstrikes, Israel has eliminated most of the top Hezbollah leaders since the Hamas war after the October 7 attacks. The Israel-Hezbollah tensions escalated after the Gaza war broke out, claiming hundreds of lives. 

The cross-border tensions between Israel and Lebanon flared up after Hezbollah stepped up its attacks on northern Israel, forcing thousands of Israelites to flee. Both sides have been engaged in exchanging strikes, almost daily, since the Israel-Hamas war. 

Over 10 top Hezbollah commanders were killed in the recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. However, Hezbollah has not confirmed all the 'targets' eliminated by Israel as it claims. 

The latest Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, along with several top commanders. Israel claimed to have killed at least 20 Hezbollah leaders in the airstrike.

Top Hezbollah leaders killed in Israeli airstrike

Hassan Nasrallah

Israel’s targeted airstrike on Friday at Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut killed Nasrallah, along with 19 others. Hezbollah chief Nasrallah’s death is considered a major breakthrough in Israel’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the top leaders of the group. 

Nabil Qaouk

The deputy head of Hezbollah’s Central Council was killed on Saturday in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut. He was the group's military commander in southern Lebanon from 1995 to 2010. He was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in 2020.

Qaouk joined the militant group as a teenager and went on to fill a series of military command positions. Off late he took more political roles and was a frequent traveler to Iran. 

Ali Karaki

Karaki was a member of Hezbollah's Jihad Council and the commander of the organisation's southern front. He died along with Nasrallah in the IDF strike on Beirut. He had joined Hezbollah during the Lebanese Civil War. Karaki was sanctioned by the US in September 2019. Karaki was entrusted with the responsibility for military operations along the Israel border. 

Ibrahim Aquil

Ibrahim Aquil is the second founder member of Hezbollah’s military wing. Aquil, who was in his early 60s, was the acting commander of the Radwan [special forces] brigades.

Fuad Shukr

Fuad Shukr was the head of the organisation’s Strategic Unit. Shukr was the key figure involved in the massive suicide bombings launched against the US, French and Israeli targets in 1983. He played a significant role in developing Hezbollah’s military capabilities as well. He died in July. 

Ibrahim Jazini

Jazini was responsible for the internal security within Hezbollah. He was close to Nasrallah and was a trusted associate. 

Among the other Hezbollah leaders killed in the Israeli airstrike include Ibrahim Muhammad Qabisi, the head of the Missiles and Rockets Force, Wissam al-Tawail, Commander of Radwan Force, Abu Hassan Samir, head of Radwan Force’s training unit and former commander of the Radwan Force, Mohammed Nasser, commander of ‘Aziz’ Unit, Muhammad Hussein Srour, commander of Aerial Command and Sami Taleb Abdullah, commander of ‘Nasser’ Unit. 

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