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Israel Targets Hezbollah’s Sheikh Naim Qassem, Announces Offensive in Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declares Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem as a marked target after Khamenei, warning of heavy retaliation. Israeli army announces an offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
2026-03-02
Israel Targets Hezbollah’s Sheikh Naim Qassem, Announces Offensive in Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Monday that Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem has been placed on Israel’s hit list, following the targeting of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In a statement on the social media platform X, Katz warned that Hezbollah would face severe consequences for its attacks against Israel. “Naim Qassem is now a marked target for us. Whoever follows Khamenei’s path will soon find himself alongside all those who have been eliminated,” he said.

Offensive in Lebanon

Simultaneously, the Israeli army announced plans to launch a full-scale offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The military stated that the operation would focus on neutralizing Hezbollah positions and infrastructure, marking an escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah tensions.

The announcement underscores Israel’s determination to hold Hezbollah accountable for attacks on its territory and personnel. While no timeline or detailed operational plan has been released, the move signals a heightened risk of broader regional escalation.

Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militia and political organization, remains a key Iranian ally in the region. The targeting of its top leadership is likely to further inflame tensions between Israel, Iran, and their respective allies.

Analysts warn that the situation could destabilize northern Israel and southern Lebanon, with potential spillover effects across the broader Middle East.