The Israel Defense Forces have officially announced the killing of senior Hezbollah commander Yusuf Ismail Hashem in a missile strike on Beirut. According to the Israeli side, Hashem was a central figure in Hezbollah with more than 40 years of military experience and was responsible for the organization’s military operations in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah has not yet officially commented on the loss of its commander, and Israel continues to expand its military presence in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced that after the end of hostilities, they intend to occupy the territories south of the Litani River, creating a “buffer zone” about 19 miles deep from the border.
