Israel Targets Hezbollah's Leadership, Operatives

Rubble at the site of an Israeli air strike near Baalbek, the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, 26 February 2024. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
Rubble at the site of an Israeli air strike near Baalbek, the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, 26 February 2024. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
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Israel Targets Hezbollah's Leadership, Operatives

Rubble at the site of an Israeli air strike near Baalbek, the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, 26 February 2024. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
Rubble at the site of an Israeli air strike near Baalbek, the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, 26 February 2024. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH

The Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Monday that Israel launched raids on complexes used by Hezbollah’s air defense unit in the Bekaa, in response to the firing of surface-to-air missiles at a Zik drone.

Arab World Press quoted Adraee as saying on social media that the army “will continue to protect Israel and operate in Lebanese airspace against Hezbollah.”

Hezbollah responded by firing 60 rockets at an Israeli army headquarters in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The Israeli military also announced launching raids aimed at Hezbollah installations situated in southern Lebanon. This action comes amidst reports from Lebanese sources detailing the loss of four lives, with Hezbollah acknowledging the death of two of its associates.

Adraee asserted that Hezbollah entered the conflict against Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, jeopardizing Lebanon, its people, and regional stability.

He highlighted continuous attacks on Israeli territory since October 8, along with repeated attempts to target Israeli and allied aircraft within Lebanese airspace.

Adraee emphasized Israel's proactive measures to safeguard its borders, noting recent strikes against numerous "Hezbollah operatives" across southern Lebanon.

He elaborated that Israel's operations have specifically focused on hitting Hezbollah's strategic assets, including military compounds and terrorist infrastructure spread across southern Lebanon, notably in Aita al-Shaab and other locations.

Recent days have witnessed a series of precision strikes, directly targeting Hezbollah's leadership, operatives, and military installations.

Furthermore, Adraee emphasized the proactive stance of Israeli forces along the Lebanese border, characterizing their actions as “defensive measures” aimed at thwarting Hezbollah's attempts to inflict harm on Israeli military personnel, civilians, and communities.



Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Possible this Week or Next

US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
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Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Possible this Week or Next

US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
US President Donald Trump listens to opening remarks, on the day he hosts a lunch for African representatives of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

US President Donald Trump said there is a "very good chance" of a ceasefire in Gaza this week or next, after meeting Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday for the second time in two days to discuss the situation.

"We have a chance this week or next week," Trump told reporters.

Israel's military chief said on Wednesday "conditions have been created" for the advancement of a hostage release deal in Gaza, as indirect negotiations were under way between Israel and Hamas.

"We have achieved many significant results, we have caused great damage to the governance and military capabilities of Hamas," armed forces chief Eyal Zamir said in a televised speech.

"Thanks to the operational power that we have demonstrated, the conditions have been created to advance a deal to release the hostages."

Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his meeting with Trump focused on freeing the hostages held in Gaza, and stressed his determination to "eliminate" the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas.