The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says it has carried out two separate military operations targeting members of Hamas and Hezbollah, announcing the deaths of a senior Hamas commander in Gaza and seven Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon.
The announcements were made in separate statements released by the Israeli military, which described the operations as part of its ongoing campaign against armed groups operating on Israel’s borders.
Israel Says Hamas Commander Played Role in October 7 Attack
According to the IDF, Walid Haniyeh, identified as the deputy commander of a Nukhba company within Hamas’ military wing, was killed during an Israeli operation.
Israeli officials alleged that Haniyeh commanded a terrorist cell that infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7 attack.
The military also accused him of helping recruit additional Hamas fighters and overseeing the military training of the Nukhba unit under his command.
The IDF said his activities made him a significant operational figure within Hamas’ military structure.
Hamas had not publicly commented on the Israeli claims at the time of the announcement, and the details have not been independently verified.
Separate Strike Reported in Southern Lebanon
In a separate statement issued earlier, the Israeli military said it eliminated seven Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon.
According to the IDF, the individuals were transferring weapons into a structure in the El Manzala area, near Israel’s security zone, when they were targeted.
Israeli officials alleged that the building served as both a combat position and an observation post used by Hezbollah fighters to plan attacks against Israeli troops operating in the area.
Israeli Military Says Weapons Facility Was Used for Future Attacks
The IDF stated that the weapons were being moved into the facility as part of preparations for future operations against Israeli forces.
Military officials said the structure had been used by Hezbollah operatives to coordinate activities and monitor Israeli troop movements along the border.
No additional operational details were immediately released regarding the strike or the weapons reportedly stored at the site.
Border Tensions Continue Across Multiple Fronts
The latest announcements come as Israeli forces continue military operations against Hamas in Gaza while also carrying out strikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
Cross-border exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah have continued alongside the conflict in Gaza, with both fronts remaining active despite ongoing international efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions.
The casualty claims made by the IDF have not been independently confirmed, and neither Hamas nor Hezbollah had issued immediate responses to the Israeli military’s latest statements at the time of publication.
