Hezbollah’s main spokesman, Mohammed Afif, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in central Beirut, according to a Hezbollah official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Afif had been especially visible since Israel’s military escalation in September and following the assassination of longtime Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Israel intensified its assault on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut and southern Lebanon on Saturday, launching a series of airstrikes. The Iran-backed Hezbollah group claimed responsibility for attacks on several Israeli military bases near Haifa, escalating the conflict. The Israeli military reported a “heavy rocket barrage” targeting Haifa, with a synagogue struck in the attack, leaving two civilians wounded. Hezbollah reportedly fired approximately 80 projectiles into Israel on Saturday.
Israeli emergency service provider Magen Adam David said five people, aged between 16 and 70, sustained mild injuries while rushing to shelter during the attack. Earlier in the day, the Israeli army announced the death of a soldier in combat in southern Lebanon, bringing the total number of Israeli troops killed in combat with Hezbollah to 48 since September 30.
The escalating conflict, which began on September 23 with Israel’s intensified airstrikes, comes amid a broader war in Gaza following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 46 Palestinians on Saturday, with the deadliest strike in Beit Lahia, killing 26 people, including women and children, and leaving 59 others trapped under rubble.
The United Nations has criticized Israel’s warfare in Gaza, suggesting it is consistent with genocide. Israel dismissed these accusations as “anti-Israel fabrications.” Pope Francis has called for an investigation into whether Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, marking a significant stance from the pontiff.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued their operations in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s assets. Evacuation orders were issued for civilians in Beirut’s southern suburbs, known as a Hezbollah stronghold, ahead of renewed airstrikes. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported seven deaths and 65 injuries in the past 24 hours due to Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon.
The conflict has also seen incidents in southern Israel, with the IDF intercepting a drone believed to have been launched from Iraq. Air raid sirens were activated in towns such as Yavne and Ness Ziona, with no injuries reported.
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In addition, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea was targeted with flash bombs on Saturday. Netanyahu and his family were not present, and no injuries were reported. Police are investigating the incident.
