Israel Kills Hezbollah Radwan Commander in Strikes

Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks across Lebanon killed at least two people and struck sites in the Bekaa and Hermel ranges, damaging civilian infrastructure including schools. The IDF confirmed a strike in Qlaileh that killed Muhammad Akram Arabiya, an elite Radwan Force special‑forces commander accused of rebuilding Hezbollah’s combat infrastructure, while Lebanese media reported a separate drone strike near Naqoura that killed a local commander some outlets named Abd a‑Sayed. Israel said it targeted Hezbollah camps, training sites and a precision‑missile production facility. The surge in strikes and increased drone activity, including over Beirut near the president’s residence, coincided with the arrival of U.S. Maj. Gen. Joseph Clearfield, head of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, as Lebanese officials urged international pressure to halt the attacks. Despite a November ceasefire that envisioned Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah pullback north of the Litani, Israel continues daily strikes and maintains positions in southern Lebanon while Lebanon, under U.S. pressure, moves to begin disarming Hezbollah amid warnings that slow progress could prompt unilateral Israeli action. In Gaza, health authorities reported 19 Palestinians killed and seven injured over 48 hours, bringing the cumulative death toll since Oct. 7, 2023 to 68,519, with U.N. and relief agencies describing the humanitarian situation as catastrophic.