Israel announced the elimination of a top aide to the Hezbollah leader during overnight strikes in Lebanon, escalating its military actions on Thursday despite potential disruptions to President Trump’s cease-fire efforts with Iran.
The Israel Defense Forces reported that Ali Youssef Kharshi, a prominent figure as the secretary and nephew of Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem, was killed in the latest airstrikes targeting Beirut.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation, asserting that attacks on Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, would persist throughout Lebanon with increased “force, precision, and determination.”
“We have successfully targeted Ali Youssef Kharshi in Beirut, who served as the personal secretary to Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem and was one of his closest associates,” Netanyahu stated.
He further detailed the strikes, saying, “Last night, the IDF hit multiple terror infrastructures in southern Lebanon, including routes used for transporting weapons, rockets, and launchers, along with weapons depots and Hezbollah command centers.”
Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s stance, concluding, “Our message is unequivocal: anyone who threatens Israeli civilians will be met with force.”
The fresh onslaught came after Israel launched its largest-ever blitz on Lebanon on Wednesday, striking 100 targets in 10 minutes and killing more than 250 people, according to Lebanese officials.
The airstrikes unfolded just hours after Trump unveiled the cease-fire with Iran and amid a disagreement over whether it included a pause in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israel, as well as Trump, have insisted Lebanon is excluded from the truce — despite Iran arguing it was explicitly part of the deal.
In response, Hezbollah — which initially said it would pause attacks on Israel — announced it would resume firing rockets Thursday.
With Post wires
