The commander of Hezbollah in Barachita, southern Lebanon, Abuali Rida, was killed in an airstrike, the Israeli army said, without specifying when the fatal strike took place.
Rida “was responsible for the planning and execution of rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on IDF soldiers and oversaw Hezbollah terrorist activities in the region,” the Israeli army said.
Since the end of September, Israel continues to shell Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. In recent weeks, Israel has eliminated several commanders and senior leaders of the militant group, including former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The war began after nearly a year of cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, with the militant group firing rockets into northern Israel almost daily in support of its ally in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.
On October 7 of last year, “Hamas” organized a massacre in Israel, during which terrorists murdered almost 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 250 hostages, who were taken to the terrorist-controlled Gaza Strip. In response to the October 7 massacre, Israel expressed its determination to destroy “Hamas” and launched a large-scale military operation in the terrorist-controlled Gaza Strip.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Hezbollah Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We have a significant development from the region that’s making headlines. Hezbollah commander Abuali Rida was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Barachita, southern Lebanon. To help us unpack this situation, we have with us Dr. Amir Khatib, a prominent expert in Middle Eastern affairs. Dr. Khatib, thank you for being here.
Dr. Amir Khatib: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s begin with the immediate implications of Commander Rida’s death for Hezbollah and the broader geopolitical situation in Lebanon. What does his loss mean for the organization?
Dr. Khatib: Rida was a key figure within Hezbollah, particularly in their military strategy in southern Lebanon. His leadership in operations against both Israeli forces and their influence in the region has been well documented. His death will likely create a vacuum in command, which may temporarily destabilize Hezbollah’s operations. However, the organization is known for its resilience and might see this as an opportunity to rally support around a new leader.
Editor: Interesting point. Do you think his death could provoke a response from Hezbollah, either militarily or politically?
Dr. Khatib: Absolutely. In the past, Hezbollah has responded to losses with tactical strikes or heightened rhetoric against Israel. It’s possible they could retaliate in the short term, especially if they perceive this as a significant affront. Politically, we may also see increased efforts to unify their base and galvanize public support against Israel, utilizing Rida’s death as a rallying cry.
Editor: The Israeli government has not released specifics about the timing of the airstrike. How do you interpret this ambiguity?
Dr. Khatib: This ambiguity could serve multiple purposes. On one hand, it allows Israel to control the narrative and maintain operational secrecy. On the other, it can create confusion and disarray within Hezbollah and among their supporters. Such strategies are often aimed at undermining morale and creating uncertainty about Israel’s capabilities.
Editor: How does this incident fit into the broader landscape of Israeli-Hezbollah relations?
Dr. Khatib: The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has always been complex, marked by cycles of escalation and temporary de-escalation. Rida’s death adds another layer to this ongoing rivalry. We are likely to see an increase in tensions, especially as both parties seek to assert their power in the region. This incident could trigger a chain reaction, potentially involving other regional players as well.
Editor: Fascinating, Dr. Khatib. As we consider the long-term impacts, what does this mean for the civilian population in southern Lebanon?
Dr. Khatib: The civilian population is often caught in the crossfire during such escalations. The killing of a major military figure could lead to increased military activity in the area, further endangering civilians. Additionally, if Hezbollah decides to escalate their military responses, we could witness intensified clashes that might not only affect fighters but also the lives of ordinary citizens. Humanitarian conditions may deteriorate further.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Khatib. In closing, what should we be watching for in the coming days as this story unfolds?
Dr. Khatib: Keep an eye on Hezbollah’s public communications and their potential responses. Also, monitor developments on the ground in southern Lebanon—escalation could lead to significant military actions. International responses, particularly from Iran and other allies of Hezbollah, will also be crucial in shaping the regional dynamic.
Editor: Thank you once again, Dr. Amir Khatib, for your expertise on this pivotal issue. We look forward to your ongoing analysis as this situation develops.
Dr. Khatib: Thank you for having me. It’s important to stay informed, and I look forward to sharing more insights with you in the future.