ALBAWABA - Hezbollah reported the killing of two military leaders and 14 fighters in an Israeli bombing in Beirut's southern suburbs. Israeli media allege that Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi ordered the killing just before it occurred.
Commander Ahmad Wahbi, who headed the Radwan Force until early 2024, and military leader Ibrahim Aqil were killed, the party said. Hezbollah noted Wahbi's return to leadership following commander Waseem al-Tall's death and his involvement in improving the party's human resources.
Hezbollah said that terrorist commander Aqil joined other deceased leaders. Israel has killed two high-ranking Hezbollah officials in the southern suburbs since the organization started aiding Gaza during the fighting that intensified on October 7.
Israeli media revealed the pre-airstrike decision-making process. Israeli radio said that Chief of Staff Halevi promptly coordinated and authorized the murder operation. According to intelligence sources, Radwan Force commanders met, provoking military action.
Halevi authorized the raid after morning talks with northern brigade commanders, according to Channel Kan in Israel.
A Lebanese security source told Al Jazeera that the Israeli attack targeted a Radwan Force leadership meeting with roughly 20 attendees. Israeli aircraft fired at least four missiles that damaged the structure and entered a parking lot to reach the subterranean gathering.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 31 deaths, including women and children, and 68 injuries from the bombing. The attack destroyed Janus residential structures using F-35 missiles.
