The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that a top Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, was killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Tuesday. This strike was in response to a rocket attack on the Golan Heights that resulted in the death of 12 children, as reported by the Times of Israel.
Fuad Shukr, described by the IDF as the “most senior Hezbollah military commander,” was a member of the Jihad Council, Hezbollah’s primary military body, and led its strategic division. Since the Hamas attack on October 7, Shukr had been orchestrating Hezbollah’s attacks against Israel, including the deadly strike in Majdal Shams over the weekend.
The IDF stated that Shukr was responsible for Hezbollah’s most advanced weaponry, including precision-guided missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, long-range rockets, and UAVs. He also played a significant role in planning and executing terror attacks against Israel.
“Eliminated: Fuad Shukr ‘Sayyid Muhsan’, Hezbollah’s Most Senior Military Commander and Hassan Nasrallah’s Right-Hand Man,” the IDF announced on social media. They attributed numerous attacks and the recent killing of 12 children in Majdal Shams to Shukr’s leadership.
In response to this development, US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, which she described as a terrorist organization. However, she emphasized the importance of seeking a diplomatic solution to end the ongoing attacks.
The Iran-backed groups Houthis and Hamas condemned the Israeli strike. The Houthis expressed solidarity with Lebanon and Hezbollah, appreciating Hezbollah’s role in supporting the Palestinian people. Hamas also declared solidarity with Lebanon and Hezbollah, calling the Israeli strike a “dangerous escalation.”
Israel had accused Hezbollah of the rocket attack on the Golan Heights, although Hezbollah denied involvement. The IDF confirmed targeting the commander responsible for the Majdal Shams attack in their Beirut strike. Lebanese media reported that at least one woman was killed and several others injured in the strike, with casualties taken to nearby hospitals.
This event marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant group since tensions flared after October 7.
