Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully targeted and killed the individual set to replace the recently deceased Hezbollah leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

In a statement, Netanyahu asserted that the militant group is now “weaker than it has been for many, many years,” indicating a significant shift in the power dynamics within the region.

In a related development, Israeli ground troops have commenced operations in southwest Lebanon, marking a new phase in the ongoing conflict that has seen a week-long invasion initially concentrated on the eastern border.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers have been photographed raising Israeli flags in the Lebanese village of Maroun Al Ras, symbolizing their presence and control in the area.
The situation in Lebanon remains dire, with reports from the mayor of Beirut indicating that there is “no safe place” left in the capital as Israeli air strikes continue to target various locations.

The Lebanese Health Ministry has reported a grim toll, stating that 36 people have been killed and approximately 150 others injured in the past 24 hours due to the ongoing Israeli attacks.

In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched over 100 rockets at the northern Israeli city of Haifa, which experienced its first missile strike in 18 years on Monday.

This escalation highlights the intensifying hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, further complicating the already volatile situation in the region.
For those interested in understanding the broader implications of these events, a live debate will be streamed from BBC Radio 4’s Today programme at 20:00 BST, discussing potential pathways to peace in the Middle East. Viewers can click “Watch live” to participate in this critical conversation.