Israel’s Defense Minister Claims Half of Hezbollah Commanders Eliminated, Analysts Skeptical
Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, made a bold statement during a visit to Israeli troops along the northern border with Lebanon, claiming that half of Hezbollah’s commanders in southern Lebanon have been eliminated. However, analysts are casting doubt on whether Israel’s increasing use of targeted killings will actually weaken the militant group.
Hezbollah, a powerful regional proxy of Iran based in Lebanon, has been engaged in intense cross-border clashes with Israeli forces since the Hamas-led attacks in Israel on Oct. 7. With no signs of the conflict abating and diplomatic talks failing to result in a cease-fire, Israel has ramped up targeted strikes on Hezbollah fighters in recent months, signaling a shift in military strategy.
Despite Mr. Gallant’s assertion, a Hezbollah official and a senior Lebanese intelligence official, speaking anonymously, denied the claim. Lebanese political analyst Kassem Kassir, who is close to Hezbollah, dismissed the statement as “psychological warfare” aimed at convincing the Israeli public of the army’s success.
Experts are skeptical that Israel’s targeted killings will achieve the goal of pushing Hezbollah north of the Litani River in Lebanon to prevent cross-border attacks. Out of an estimated 100,000 Hezbollah fighters, only a small fraction of the group’s acknowledged 270 members killed were commanders, according to Mr. Kassir.
While Israel has publicly named nine Hezbollah fighters it claims to have eliminated since Oct. 7, including senior figures in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan unit, the veracity of these claims remains unverified. Analysts suggest that both sides may be exaggerating their successes and minimizing losses for propaganda purposes.
Hezbollah, known for its secrecy regarding the ranks of its slain fighters, has not confirmed the roles of those targeted by Israel. Despite the losses suffered by Hezbollah, analysts believe the group has a deep bench and will not be significantly weakened by Israel’s targeted assassinations.
As the conflict continues, the war of attrition between Israel and Hezbollah shows no signs of abating. After recent airstrikes killed two Hezbollah commanders, the militant group retaliated with a drone and missile attack in northern Israel, resulting in casualties among Israeli soldiers and civilians.
The situation remains tense as both sides engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse, with the outcome uncertain. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah shows no signs of resolution, with both sides determined to assert their dominance in the region.
