Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday that Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has become a target for assassination following the group’s recent rocket fire toward Israel.
Katz stated that “Naim Qassem, who decided to launch rockets at Israel, is now a target for elimination,” according to remarks carried by Israeli media.
The statement came after Hezbollah — which is backed by Iran — claimed responsibility for attacks on Israel, describing them as retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Earlier overnight, Israeli forces carried out a first wave of airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, Hezbollah’s main stronghold, as well as areas in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military warned it would intensify operations and that Hezbollah would pay a “heavy price.”
Lebanese authorities, meanwhile, cautioned that rocket launches from Lebanese territory risk providing Israel with justification to continue and expand its military campaign.
The developments mark the first time Hezbollah has publicly claimed attacks on Israel since the ceasefire that ended more than a year of fighting between the two sides in November 2024.
Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the military has “launched an offensive campaign against Hezbollah,” adding in a video statement that Israeli forces are “not only on the defensive but moving to the offensive.”
He warned that Israel must prepare for “several days of fighting,” signaling the potential for further escalation along the Lebanese front.
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