In a series of targeted attacks over the course of just over a week, Israel has significantly escalated its actions against Hezbollah, resulting in the death of seven top commanders, including the leader, Hasan Nasrullah.
This escalation happened after Hezbollah joined forces with Hamas in Gaza, following a surprise attack in southern Israel.
The loss of these key members, many of whom have been with Hezbollah since its inception in the early 1980s, presents a significant challenge to the organization, which is considered the most influential military and political force in Lebanon.
Among the dead was Nabil Kaouk, a veteran commander who joined Hezbollah in the 1980s and was seen as a potential successor to Nasrallah.
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Here are the 7 commanders who were ‘eliminated’ by the Israeli attack:
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a targeted airstrike on Hezbollah’s headquarters, resulting in the death of its leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah.
With the death of Nasrallah, who had led Hezbollah for more than three decades, the organization has experienced a significant leadership void. Nasrallah, born into a struggling Shiite family in 1960, pursued theological studies and joined the Amal movement before founding Hezbollah.
The group officially announced its formation in 1985, releasing an “open letter” naming the US and the Soviet Union as the main enemies of Islam and calling for the “annihilation” of Israel.
Nabil Kaouk
A day after the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Israel has killed another Hezbollah commander, Nabil Kaouk, in an airstrike.
Nabil Kaouk is a veteran of Hezbollah, having joined the organization in the 1980s. The United States has imposed sanctions on him in 2020 for his involvement in Hezbollah’s military operations in southern Lebanon.
Kaouk also served as Hezbollah’s military commander in southern Lebanon from 1995 to 2010. He made several media appearances and gave speeches to supporters, including at the funerals of slain Hezbollah militants. He has been seen as a candidate to succeed Nasrallah.
Ibrahim Aqil
Senior Hezbollah commander and head of Radwan’s elite forces, Ibrahim Aqil was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the southern outskirts of Beirut.
Aqil planned an attack on Israeli territory, with the aim of penetrating and attacking communities in the Galilee, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.
The IDF added that its targets were the same as those of Hamas during the October 7 attack.
In 2015, the US treasury department designated Aqil as a specially designated national for his actions on behalf of Hezbollah. In 2019, he was further designated as a “specially designated global terrorist” by the US state department. In the 1980s, Aqil was involved in major attacks, including the 1983 bombings of the US Embassy and the US Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, which resulted in many casualties.
Ahmad Wehbe
Wehbe is the commander of the Radwan Force and has played a key role in developing the group since its formation nearly two decades ago. He was killed along with Akil during an airstrike on the southern outskirts of Beirut that hit and destroyed buildings.
Ali Karaki
Karaki leads Hezbollah’s southern front, playing a key role in the ongoing conflict. The US describes him as a key figure in the leadership of the militant group.
Nothing is known about Karaki, who was killed along with Nasrallah.
Mohammad Suryo
Surour is the head of Hezbollah’s drone unit, which was first used in the current conflict with Israel.
Under his leadership, Hezbollah launched explosive and reconnaissance drones into Israel, penetrating the group’s mostly rocket- and missile-focused defenses.
Ibrahim Kobeissi
Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Mohammed Kobeissi was killed in an Israeli attack in South Beirut. Kobeissi heads Hezbollah’s missile unit.
According to the IDF, Kobeissi planned to kidnap and kill three Israeli soldiers on the northern border in 2000, whose bodies were returned in a prisoner swap with Hezbollah four years later.
Who will replace Nasrallah?
No one is as important and respected among the remaining groups as Nasrallah. A person who is generally considered to be a beneficiary Hashem SafieddineNasrallah’s cousin oversees the group’s political affairs.
It is not known whether he survived Friday’s attack, and Hezbollah’s statement announcing Nasrallah’s death on Friday did not name his successor. The group’s Shura Council is due to meet in the coming days or weeks to elect a new leader
