Israel Strikes Kill Hezbollah Commander, Raise Escalation Fears

Israeli drone and air strikes in southern Lebanon killed Hezbollah commander Mohammad Ali Hadid and at least one other man and wounded civilians, with blasts damaging shops and apartments in Doueir and Aita al‑Shaab. Lebanese media and security sources report multiple recent strikes and varying casualty counts, and the Israeli military has confirmed lethal operations against Hezbollah targets. The attacks have continued despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November 2024 and after Lebanon’s government accepted a disarmament plan, though officials and analysts say Beirut and the army are struggling to implement it while Hezbollah resists full disarmament and appears to be rebuilding capabilities. Lebanese health authorities and rights monitors say Israeli strikes have caused civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, have warned they will intensify operations and act in self‑defence under the ceasefire if Lebanon does not carry out disarmament commitments, raising U.S. and Israeli warnings of possible escalation.