Israel says killed Hezbollah commander in Lebanon strike

An Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon killed one person on Monday, with Israel claiming it had eliminated a senior Hezbollah artillery commander in the border town of Taybeh, according to both Israeli and Lebanese sources.

Lebanon's health ministry confirmed the death of one citizen, while the Israeli military said the strike targeted a Hezbollah figure who had “directed and carried out numerous projectile attacks” on northern Israel’s Upper Galilee during the conflict.

The strike hit an area near a motorcycle repair shop in the Marjayoun district, Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Despite a ceasefire agreement on November 27, Israel has continued to carry out strikes in Lebanon, including targeting Hezbollah sites in south Beirut and multiple southern villages. On Sunday, two people were killed in a strike on Zibqin, and structures housing displaced residents were hit in Naqura.

The truce, based on a UN Security Council resolution, calls for the disarmament of all non-state groups in south Lebanon and limits the area’s control to Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers.

Under the deal, Hezbollah was to pull its forces north of the Litani River, while Israel was expected to withdraw from southern Lebanese territory.

However, Israel retains control of five strategic positions, complicating implementation of the truce.

Over the weekend, US Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus met Lebanese leaders to discuss Hezbollah’s disarmament and broader reforms. In a televised interview, Ortagus emphasized that Washington expects Lebanon to fully implement the cessation of hostilities “as soon as possible.”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun responded by calling for "dialogue and communication," noting Hezbollah is a part of Lebanon’s internal political fabric. He added that work will begin soon on drafting a national security strategy to address the issue.