Tel Aviv – Israeli defense forces announced on Wednesday the elimination of a Hezbollah operative in Lebanon’s Bekaa region. The military identified Hassam Qassem Gharab as a commander directing militant cells in Syria, specifically orchestrating rocket attacks aimed at the Golan Heights in northern Israel.
The Israeli military stated that Gharab was using his position to lead operations from Lebanese territory, preparing for impending strikes against Israeli targets. “Yesterday evening (Tuesday), the (Israeli air force)… struck the terrorist Hossam Qasem Ghorab, a Hezbollah terrorist who operated from Lebanese territory to direct terrorist cells in Syria,” the army declared.
According to military sources, the Syrian-based cells were actively planning a rocket assault on the Golan Heights, a region Israel annexed following the 1967 war with Syria.
Lebanese Army Develops Disarmament Plan
In related developments, the Lebanese cabinet has tasked the Lebanese army with formulating a strategy to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025, marking a significant shift in Lebanon’s post-civil war stance. This decision was reached during a nearly six-hour cabinet meeting on August 5, influenced by substantial U.S. pressure and ongoing efforts to enforce a ceasefire agreement from November 2024.
The government aims to establish central control over all weaponry, delegating usage authority solely to the military and legitimate state forces.
Ceasefire Violations and Targeted Actions
Despite a recent ceasefire brokered by the United States and France, which took effect at 4:00 a.m. local time on November 27, 2024, Israel continues to engage Hezbollah targets. The ceasefire was intended to halt over thirteen months of fighting but has not stopped Israel from carrying out operations against Hezbollah, citing ongoing violations of the ceasefire terms.
Israeli officials assert that Hezbollah failed to withdraw its fighters from areas north of the Litani River and maintains a threatening posture towards Israel. Such conditions provide justification for Israel’s military actions, aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah’s capabilities and safeguarding its northern civilian population.
, reports 24brussels.
