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What does Israel’s strike against Hezbollah in Beirut mean for its citizens?

July 31, 2024 09:39
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This pictured shows the aftermath of an Israeli military strike on a building in Beirut's southern suburb on July 31, 2024. The Israeli military said it carried out a strike on July 30, in Beirut that targeted a Hezbollah commander responsible for the killing of children in last week's rocket attack on the Golan Heights. A source close to Hezbollah told AFP that a senior commander was targeted in an Israeli strike on its south Beirut stronghold. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP) (Photo by ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)
3 min read

The assassination in Beirut on Tuesday of Fuad Shukr, aka Sayyid Muhsan, Hezbollah’s chief of staff and most senior military commander, represents a strategic blow to the terrorist organisation.

This targeted strike, carried out by Israeli Air Force in Hezbollah’s Dahiya hub, highlights both Jerusalem’s advanced intelligence and firepower capabilities. However, the critical question remains: Will Hezbollah now escalate the situation into a full-scale conflict – one that Israel is clearly seeking to avoid?

As a close adviser to Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and a member of Hezbollah’s Jihad Council, Shukr played a pivotal role in directing Hezbollah’s military operations. He was responsible for orchestrating numerous attacks against Israel, including the July 27 rocket strike on Majdal Shams, which killed 12 children. Shukr’s elimination is a clear message from Israel that it will not tolerate such heinous acts. It is also a message to Nasrallah, who attempted to deter Israel from striking in Beirut, that if Israeli red lines are crossed, nowhere in Lebanon is the terror group immune.

Since joining the organisation in 1985, Shukr held several senior positions, ultimately rising to lead Hezbollah’s Strategic Unit. This unit is responsible for managing Hezbollah’s advanced weaponry, including precision-guided missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, long-range rockets and UAVs. His foundational role made him a crucial figure in planning and executing terror attacks against Israel.

Topics:

Israel