In a dramatic escalation of tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border, an Israeli airstrike on Monday killed a high-ranking Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon. The strike targeted an SUV, resulting in the death of Wissam al-Tawil, a senior member of a secretive Hezbollah force operating along the border.
The Lebanese security official, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with regulations, confirmed the incident. Hezbollah later identified the slain fighter as Wissam al-Tawil but did not provide further details regarding the circumstances of his death.
This marks the most significant elimination of a Hezbollah militant since the outbreak of hostilities in the region. The recent exchange of strikes between Israel and Hezbollah has added to mounting fears of a broader conflict, coinciding with the ongoing violence in Gaza that has claimed a rising toll on civilians.
The cycle of violence intensified after an Israeli airstrike last week killed a senior Hamas leader in Beirut. Since then, clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have escalated, raising concerns of a widening conflict.