Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of eight Hezbollah militants, including several local commanders, along with two others. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported a total death toll of 10, without specifying militants versus civilians.
Strikes Target Rayak Area
The strikes hit near the village of Rayak in northeast Lebanon late Friday. Officials from Hezbollah confirmed that eight militants perished in the attacks. A visit to the site Saturday morning revealed the top floor of a three-story building completely destroyed.
The Israeli military stated that it eliminated several members of Hezbollah’s missile unit across three command centers in the Baalbek region. These individuals were involved in accelerating force buildup and planning attacks against Israel.
Identified Commanders Among Dead
Three of the deceased were local commanders: Ali al-Moussawi, Mohammed al-Moussawi, and Hussein Yaghi. Hussein Yaghi was the son of prominent Hezbollah figure Mohammed Yaghi, a close aide to former leader Hassan Nasrallah, who died in an Israeli airstrike in September 2024.
Casualties and Injuries
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported 24 people wounded in the strikes, including three children. Ali Abdullah, executive director of Rayak Hospital, noted the strike occurred after sunset. The hospital received 10 bodies and 21 wounded individuals. Among the dead were two non-Lebanese nationals—a Syrian man and an Ethiopian woman. The wounded included five Syrians and three Ethiopians.
Regional Context
Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war, Hezbollah launched rockets from Lebanon in support. Israel countered with airstrikes and artillery. Tensions escalated into full-scale conflict in September 2024, moderated but not ended by a U.S.-brokered ceasefire two months later.
Israel continues near-daily operations in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah rebuild efforts. Hezbollah has conducted one strike against Israel since the ceasefire. Friday’s high death toll coincides with rising regional tensions, as the United States warns of potential strikes on Iran—Hezbollah’s backer—if nuclear talks fail.
