Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia Islamist terrorist organization fired over 200 missiles at Israeli military sites on Thursday, in response to the killing of their senior commander, Muhammed Neamah Naser, in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed his death and accused him of orchestrating attacks, particularly after Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip launched a surprise attack on the music festival, targeting Israeli civilians on October 7. Naser was considered a key figure, similar to another recently killed commander, Sami Taleb Abdullah.
In retaliation for Naser’s death, Hezbollah launched missiles at Israel. The IDF intercepted some of these missiles and drones, though some debris caused fires. In response, Israeli jets attacked Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, targeting a military structure and three other sites. Hezbollah reported the death of one of its fighters in these strikes.
These hostilities have been ongoing since the conflict between Israel and Gaza began, with increasing intensity. This escalation risks turning into a larger conflict. Hezbollah, a significant paramilitary force with a large missile arsenal, claims its attacks support Palestinians in Gaza.
Recent clashes have resulted in over 300 Hezbollah fighters and around 90 civilians in Lebanon being killed by Israeli actions, while fire from Lebanon has killed 18 Israeli soldiers and 10 civilians.