IDF Says Hezbollah Aide Killed In Beirut Strike As Lebanon Tensions Escalate

On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces said it had killed a senior Hezbollah aide in an operation in Beirut, as part of a wider series of strikes across Lebanon.

In a statement, the IDF identified the individual as Ali Yusuf Harshi, a close associate and personal secretary to Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem. Harshi, who was also related to Qassem, described as playing an important role in managing the leader’s office.

Taking to X, the IDF posted, “ELIMINATED: Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem in Beirut. A close associate and personal advisor, Harshi played a key role in managing and securing Qassem’s office. The IDF also struck two key crossings used by Hezbollah to move weapons south of the Litani River, along with ~10 weapons storage sites, launchers and command centers in southern Lebanon.”

The developments come shortly after the United States and Iran announced a temporary ceasefire understanding. Tensions in the region, however, remain high.

Earlier, the IDF said it had killed a Hamas operative who it alleged was posing as a journalist. It identified him as Muhammad Samir Muhammad Washah.

The IDF said he planned attacks against its troops and posed a threat to forces in the area.

“ELIMINATED: Muhammad Samir Muhammad Washah, a Hamas terrorist operating under the guise of an Al Jazeera journalist. Washah, a key terrorist in Hamas’ rocket & weapons production HQ, was also involved in the production and transfer of weapons through Gaza. The terrorist was actively involved in planning attacks against IDF troops & posed a concrete threat to forces in the area,” IDF posted on X.

Israel’s military leadership signalled that operations against Hezbollah would continue.

Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir said the campaign would proceed with determination. He further stressed that security concerns in northern Israel remained a priority.

Earlier, the IDF reported carrying out a large-scale coordinated strike across multiple locations in Lebanon. It said the operation targeted more than 100 sites associated with Hezbollah. These included command hubs, intelligence facilities and units linked to missile operations and elite forces.

The situation in the region remains tense, with military activity continuing despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.