Israel kills two Hezbollah commanders in Beirut: Hamas threatens retaliation.

In an airstrike launched by the Israeli army on the southern outskirts of Beirut, two top Hezbollah commanders were killed: Ahmed Wahbi and Ibrahim Aqil. The attack, part of a series of targeted operations against Hezbollah targets, hit hard the Iranian-backed Lebanese paramilitary organization, already actively engaged in the ongoing conflict with Israel.

The figure of Ibrahim Aqil and his key role in Hezbollah

Ibrahim Aqil, a prominent Hezbollah leader, was killed in the Israeli attack. Aqil, also known by his nom de guerre Tahsin, was a veteran of the group and the leader of the Radwan special forces, one of the most feared and operational units in battles against Israel, especially in southern Lebanon. His long career in Hezbollah dates back to the 80s, when the organization was founded with the support of revolutionary Iran.

Aqil was considered a priority target by Israel and the United States, which had placed him on the list of “global terrorists” and placed a $7 million bounty on his head. He was accused of participating in the 1983 bombings of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and the Marine barracks, which killed more than 300 people. Although he survived several assassination attempts, yesterday's Israeli attack ended his long military career.

The killing of Ahmed Wahbi

Among those killed in the Israeli strike was Ahmed Wahbi, another high-ranking Hezbollah commander. Wahbi, 60, had led the Radwan unit's military operations during the Gaza war until early 2024. After the death of commander Wissam Tawil in January, Wahbi had assumed responsibility for Hezbollah's central training unit, playing a key role in preparing the group's new recruits. He was also known for his close cooperation with Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian general killed by the United States in 2020.

Hamas's reaction and fear of escalation

The killing of the two commanders has drawn harsh condemnation from Hamas, the Palestinian organization that supports Hezbollah in its fight against Israel. Hamas described the attack as a “crime” and “madness” and promised that Israel will pay for its actions. The message, reported by Al Jazeera, highlights the risk of an escalation of the conflict in the region, which is already in a state of growing tension.

This new wave of violence has raised concerns across the international community about the possibility of a large-scale conflict. Andrea Tenenti, spokesperson for the United Nations Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), expressed alarm at the risk of a wider war. “After 11 months of daily bombardments, the potential for a wider conflict is really just around the corner,” Tenenti told Al Jazeera. He also reiterated UNIFIL’s commitment to seeking to reduce tensions through diplomatic efforts.

The US position

The United States also commented on the attack, acknowledging Ibrahim Aqil’s role in the 1983 attacks but expressing concern over Israel’s strategy. Speaking at a conference of the American-Israeli Council in Washington, a senior US official, Brett McGurk, said that while the United States did not shed any tears over Aqil’s death, it did not share Israel’s tactic of escalating the conflict with Lebanon. “Ibrahim Aqil was responsible for the Beirut embassy attack 40 years ago. So no one is mourning his death,” McGurk said, adding, however, that the United States believes that a war with Lebanon would not necessarily achieve the desired goals.

The United States then stressed the importance of diplomacy to avoid further escalation. McGurk said he was confident that, through deterrence and other diplomatic tools, a peaceful solution to the conflict in the north could be found.

Israel's attack on Beirut, killing two top Hezbollah commanders, has increased tensions in an already deeply unstable region. Hamas's response and growing international concern signal the danger of a multi-front conflict as the international community tries to find a diplomatic way to defuse the crisis.