The Israeli military announced that it had killed Nabil Kaouk, the deputy head of Hezbollah’s Central Council, in an airstrike on Saturday. Several high-ranking Hezbollah officials have been killed in recent weeks, including founding members of the group who were close to leader Hassan Nasrallah. The strike also killed another top commander, Ali Karaki, and targeted a Hezbollah underground compound where senior figures were meeting. Israel has also been blamed for a sophisticated attack on Hezbollah’s pagers and walkie-talkies. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a wave of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that have killed over 1,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Hezbollah has retaliated by firing rockets, missiles, and drones into northern Israel, but these attacks have been largely intercepted or caused minimal casualties and damage. Kaouk, a veteran member of Hezbollah who served as the group’s military commander in southern Lebanon during the 2006 war with Israel, was known for his appearances in local media and eulogies at militants’ funerals. The United States had imposed sanctions on him in 2020. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after Hamas launched an attack out of Gaza on October 7, with both groups being allies in the Iran-backed “Axis of Resistance” against Israel.
As the situation continues to escalate, Israel is determined to return around 60,000 evacuated citizens to communities in the north. Hezbollah has stated that it will only stop its rocket fire if there is a cease-fire in Gaza, which has been difficult to achieve despite ongoing negotiations. The conflict has raised fears of a region-wide war, with both sides engaging in airstrikes and retaliation. The ongoing violence has caused significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon, with many civilians seeking refuge in shelters or with friends and relatives.
Hezbollah’s loss of high-ranking officials like Kaouk and Karaki, along with the destruction of their underground compound, are significant blows to the organization. The group has been weakened by the series of Israeli strikes and the targeting of key personnel. The conflict between Hezbollah, Hamas, and Israel has put the entire region on edge, with the potential for a wider war looming. The situation remains volatile, with no clear end in sight as both sides continue to engage in hostilities. The international community has called for a de-escalation of the conflict, but achieving a lasting peace remains a challenge.
