The IDF has shifted its focus back to southern Lebanon, where it continues to target Hezbollah infrastructure, after the Israel-Iran War concluded last week.
Earlier Thursday morning, the IDF killed a senior commander from the Radwan unit in an airstrike. It later killed a second Hezbollah terrorist near Beit Leif. The military affirmed that their operations would persist as long as necessary to ensure Israel’s security.
The elimination of these terrorists is part of a broader series of IDF strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and Iranian assets in Lebanon. This includes the neutralization of Bakri, the leader of the Al-Sadiq exchange network, two days ago. Bakri was known to facilitate the transfer of funds from Iran's Quds Force, which were used to finance Hezbollah’s terrorist activities.
Bakri’s operations represented a significant economic arm for Hezbollah, facilitating the movement of funds for purchasing weapons, operating production facilities, and supporting terror operatives. His removal is considered a major blow to Hezbollah's financial operations.
The IDF has also dealt a heavy blow to the Iranian Quds Force. Recently, Saeed Izadi, commander of the Palestine Division within the Quds Force, was killed. He was a key figure liaising between Tehran and Hamas. Additionally, Behnam Shahriyari, responsible for the transfer of weapons across the Middle East, including to groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, was also eliminated.
Quds Force commander had extensive financial networks, funnelled funds to terror groups
Shahriyari's extensive financial network funneled hundreds of millions of dollars annually to various terror groups; he relied on a vast web of money exchangers, shell companies, and couriers. His death signifies the IDF’s ongoing pressure on the logistical and operational support networks of Hezbollah and the Iranian Quds Force.
These targeted strikes by the Israel Air Force, supported by intelligence units, reflect an escalation in Israel's efforts to disrupt the operational capabilities of Hezbollah and Iran's proxy forces. Military sources believe that the elimination of key figures within Hezbollah’s ranks will severely impact the group's ability to carry out its mission in the region.