Hezbollah’s top commander Ibrahim Aqil eliminated in deadly Israeli airstrike on Beirut

Israeli airstrikes have killed senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil in the southern suburbs of Beirut, in a sharp escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed group. Aqil, a prominent figure in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, was struck during a meeting with other commanders. The airstrike resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people and injured 66 more, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. This incident intensifies a conflict that has been simmering since the beginning of the Gaza war, shifting focus towards Lebanon.

Ibrahim Aqil was wanted by the United States for his role in the 1983 US embassy bombing in Beirut, which killed 63 people. He was known for spearheading Hezbollah’s operations. The Israeli military, which has been targeting key Hezbollah figures along the border, confirmed the strike, emphasizing it was a targeted operation. Lebanese sources close to Hezbollah revealed that Aqil was in a meeting when the strike occurred. Hezbollah immediately vowed revenge, raising fears of further escalation.

Escalation of Israel-Hezbollah conflict

The killing of Ibrahim Aqil is being described as a major blow to Hezbollah’s leadership, as Aqil played a crucial role in the group’s military strategy along the Israeli-Lebanese border. His Radwan Force was instrumental in ground operations, especially near the border, where Hezbollah had been maintaining pressure on Israel. Aqil’s death is the second targeted killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in recent months, following the death of Fuad Shukr, another high-ranking official killed in an Israeli strike.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported the strike killed 14 people in total, including several other senior Hezbollah leaders. The United Nations, through spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, expressed deep concern over the rising hostilities, urging all parties to exercise restraint. However, Israel has indicated that it will continue to target Hezbollah commanders until security around its northern border is ensured. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that enemies of Israel will find no refuge, hinting at further military action in Hezbollah’s strongholds.

Impact of the attack on Hezbollah

The targeted strike comes after weeks of clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces along the border, with tensions escalating further after a series of explosions earlier this week. These explosions, which Hezbollah attributed to Israeli sabotage, involved the destruction of communication devices used by Hezbollah members. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that Israel would face severe consequences for these attacks.

According to international analysts, Hezbollah may be forced to rethink its military strategies following Aqil’s death. Aqil’s Radwan Force, considered elite within the Hezbollah military structure, has been at the forefront of Hezbollah’s operations against Israel, and his death could leave a temporary leadership vacuum. Israeli military experts have highlighted that the strike on Aqil represents a strategic move to weaken Hezbollah’s capabilities, potentially averting a broader regional conflict.

Expert opinions on regional implications

Middle East experts are warning that this escalation could lead to a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, potentially involving other regional actors such as Iran. The Israel-Hezbollah border has been the site of daily clashes, with both sides suffering casualties. The death of a senior Hezbollah figure like Aqil may provoke a strong retaliatory response from Hezbollah, leading to a cycle of violence. Despite Israel’s insistence that it is not aiming for a regional escalation, the killing of high-profile figures is likely to intensify Hezbollah’s desire for retribution.

UN mediators and international stakeholders have been trying to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from spilling into a wider regional conflict. The United Nations has called for immediate ceasefires and diplomatic talks to de-escalate the situation. However, Hezbollah’s vow to retaliate for Aqil’s death signals that the situation may worsen in the coming weeks, with both sides showing no willingness to back down.

Future of the conflict

With Hezbollah losing key figures, the question remains how the group will respond in the long term. Aqil’s death, following the death of Fuad Shukr, represents a significant weakening of Hezbollah’s leadership. However, given the group’s longstanding resistance to Israeli military actions, it is unlikely that these deaths will be the last in this ongoing conflict. International efforts to broker peace are continuing, but the situation in Lebanon and Israel remains highly volatile.