Politics Israel kills Hezbollah commander - fears of new war

According to the Israeli military, Hezbollah military commander Ibrahim Akil was killed in a targeted attack in the Lebanese capital Beirut. According to information from Lebanese security circles, Israeli warplanes had previously flown one of the heaviest waves of attacks since the beginning of the mutual bombardment in October last year. At the same time, the Israeli army registered 200 shells fired from Lebanon at northern Israel.

Ibrahim Akil is dead, announced Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari. Hezbollah did not initially comment on the matter. Akil was one of the founding members of Hezbollah and was particularly active in the military wing of the Shiite organization. According to media reports, he was the military commander of Hezbollah and thus the successor to Fuad Shukr, who was also killed by Israel on 30 August. The USA had put a bounty of seven million dollars (around 6.27 million euros) on Akil's head. Other members of the Hezbollah elite group Radwan were also killed in the attack.

According to Lebanese reports, at least twelve people were killed in the attack in the densely populated suburb of the capital. At least 66 others were injured. Videos on social media showed devastating scenes in the southern suburb of Beirut, with damaged house facades and destroyed cars. The area is considered a Hezbollah stronghold.

Fears of widespread war and conflagration are growing

Despite worldwide calls for restraint, Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia are continuing their mutual attacks. As a result, there is growing concern that the fighting could escalate into an all-out war and a regional conflagration.

Nevertheless, the US government believes it is possible to avert a war between the two sides. "We still believe there is time and space for a diplomatic solution, and we think that's the best way forward," said National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby. A war on the border between Israel and Lebanon is "not inevitable, and we will continue to do everything we can to prevent it".

Israel and Hezbollah continue shelling

Prior to the alleged airstrike on Hezbollah commander Akil, fighter jets had bombed around 100 rocket launchers belonging to the pro-Iranian militia, according to the Israeli military. Lebanese security circles spoke of one of the heaviest waves of attacks since the beginning of the mutual bombardment in October last year.

According to Israeli military sources, numerous rockets were again fired from Lebanon into northern Israel. According to the army, it registered around 200 missiles. According to Israeli media, fires broke out as a result of the shelling. There were initially no reports of casualties. Residents in numerous locations in northern Israel have been called upon to stay close to shelters.

Concerns about an Israeli ground offensive are growing

Israel has been trying to weaken the Hezbollah militia for weeks. This includes targeted attacks on leadership personnel, infrastructure, rocket launchers and warehouses. Israel is using diplomatic and increasing military pressure to ensure that Hezbollah withdraws from the border area, as stipulated by a UN resolution. As soon as the region near the border is safe again, 60,000 Israelis who have fled are to return to their homes and apartments.

Hezbollah: Shelling Israel until the end of the Gaza war

Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah announced in a speech broadcast nationwide on Thursday that the shelling of northern Israel would continue. Israel could only allow people to return to the north in safety once the war in the Gaza Strip had been stopped. According to Hezbollah, it is acting in solidarity with the Islamist Hamas in the coastal region. Both groups are supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, whose leadership regards Israel as its arch-enemy.

At the same time, Nasrallah accused Israel of being responsible for the explosions of pagers and handheld radios. The Hezbollah leader spoke of a declaration of war and announced retaliation. According to the authorities, at least 37 people were killed in the explosions of the manipulated devices on Tuesday and Wednesday. Around 3,000 others were injured. Israel has not yet publicly claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Israel's Defense Minister: Hezbollah is paying a growing price

Israel's Defense Minister Joav Galant announced that Israel would continue its attacks on Hezbollah. "The series of our military actions will continue," he said. "Over time, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price."

The almost daily mutual shelling has developed into a low-threshold war. According to official figures, around 600 people have already been killed in Lebanon, most of them Hezbollah members. According to official figures, 48 people have died in Israel as a result of attacks by the pro-Iranian militia, including soldiers but also many civilians.

Report: No agreement in sight for Gaza negotiations

As Hezbollah is linking its shelling of Israel to the Gaza war, international mediators are trying to achieve a ceasefire. However, the negotiations, in which the USA, Egypt and Qatar are mediating between Israel and Hamas, have been going round in circles for months.

Senior US officials have now admitted in private conversations that they no longer expect an agreement between Israel and Hamas during US President Joe Biden's term of office, which ends in January, the Wall Street Journal reported. "An agreement is not imminent," said one of the US officials. "I'm not sure it will ever materialize."