The death of another top Hezbollah commander in Israeli airstrike prompts diplomatic efforts for calm in Lebanon

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon resulted in the death of a senior Hezbollah commander, according to a Hezbollah official. The strike targeted Mohammad Naameh Nasser, known as “Abu Naameh,” who led the Aziz Unit in southern Lebanon. Nasser’s death marks the most significant loss for Hezbollah since another commander, Taleb Sami Abdullah, was killed in a June airstrike.

Following Nasser’s killing, Hezbollah retaliated by launching Falaq rockets at the headquarters of the Israeli military’s 769th Brigade in Kiryat Shmona and Katyusha rockets at other Israeli military locations. Footage released by Hezbollah showed Nasser participating in a 1999 operation against an Israeli military outpost in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military acknowledged the strike, noting that Nasser was a key figure in Hezbollah’s operations in southwestern Lebanon. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been escalating, with Hezbollah indicating it will only cease its attacks once a cease-fire is implemented in Gaza. Israeli officials have warned of a potential larger military operation if Hezbollah continues its assaults.

Since October, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of over 450 individuals, predominantly Hezbollah fighters. On the Israeli side, casualties include 16 soldiers and 11 civilians. Thousands have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict between the two sides.

Amid the escalating situation, U.S. President Joe Biden’s senior adviser, Amos Hochstein, is engaging in diplomatic efforts to help end the conflict. Hochstein is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron’s Lebanon envoy in Paris as part of these diplomatic endeavors. French officials have been actively involved in diplomatic discussions to alleviate tensions in the region.