Continued Attacks on Hezbollah and New Restrictions in Northern Israel; Gallant: Killing Hezbollah Leaders Was a Personal Reckoning for Me

Intense Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon continued on Saturday, September 31, with Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israeli army, reporting the destruction of 400 launchers belonging to the group as a result of the Saturday evening attacks. Hagari added that these strikes were carried out after identifying Hezbollah's preparations for extensive rocket attacks. The Times of Israel, citing military sources, reported that the Saturday evening attacks targeted launchers and other sites belonging to Hezbollah. Reports published in Lebanese media also indicate that severe attacks were conducted against positions of this Iranian proxy group. Concurrently with the escalation of clashes between the Israeli army and Hamas, Daniel announced new restrictions in Haifa and surrounding northern areas. According to him, educational and business establishments are only allowed to operate if they are adjacent to a shelter. Under the new restrictions, gatherings of more than 30 people outdoors and more than 300 people indoors are prohibited. The Israeli army spokesperson added that any changes to the restrictions will be communicated to Israeli citizens as soon as possible. Yoav Gallant, Israel's Minister of Defense, stated in a post in Hebrew on social media that the killing of Ibrahim Aqil and Ahmad Wahbi, senior Hezbollah commanders, in the Friday attack was 'an important reckoning' not only for Israel but for him personally as well. According to Gallant, these two Hezbollah commanders were involved in an operation that led to the deaths of 11 Israeli Navy commandos in 1997. In his message, the Israeli Defense Minister emphasized that the deadly attack on Hezbollah commanders on Friday was 'our duty to our fallen and their loved ones, our duty to the residents of the north, and a clear message to our adversaries.' In response, Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor at the White House, expressed concern over the escalation of tensions following the killing of Ibrahim Aqil, a commander of Hezbollah's Radwan unit, stating that justice was served. Ibrahim Aqil was wanted for deadly bombings against Americans in Lebanon, with a $7 million bounty placed on his capture. On Saturday, the Israeli army released the names and images of 12 commanders of Hezbollah's Radwan unit, including Ibrahim Aqil, who were killed in the attack on Friday, September 30, at their gathering place under a building in the 'Dahiyeh' neighborhood of Beirut. The escalation of clashes between Hezbollah and Israel followed continued rocket and drone attacks by Hezbollah on Israel and explosions of the group's communication devices, which resulted in nearly 40 deaths, mostly among members of this Iranian proxy group, and 3,000 others injured. Although these explosions have been attributed to Israel, the country has taken a 'neither confirm nor deny' stance regarding this matter. Since the Hamas terrorist attack on southern Israel on October 15, Hezbollah has also entered the war and has repeatedly attempted to attack northern Israel by firing rockets, causing thousands of Israelis to evacuate their homes in the north. Israel has stated that it will ensure security in its northern regions by any means necessary, whether diplomatic or military. Israel demands Hezbollah's withdrawal from border areas with Lebanon. So far, diplomatic efforts to push Hezbollah back beyond the Litani River, 30 kilometers from the shared border with Israel, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah in the summer of 2006, have failed. Hezbollah was established in 1982 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Several countries, including the United States, Israel, Germany, Serbia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and Australia, have recognized the group as a terrorist organization. Recognizing Hezbollah as a terrorist organization means not distinguishing between its political and military branches and considering both as terrorists. Shaheen Modarres: Israel eliminates Hezbollah commanders to prevent threats. Hungary states that the pagers used in the explosions in Lebanon were not made in the country. Hezbollah confirmed the deaths of 16 of its members in the Israeli attack on Beirut on Friday. US lawmakers demand 'effective' sanctions against the Islamic Republic. A senior Hezbollah member was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Users' reactions to the explosion of Hezbollah's communication equipment ranged from joy to doubt about its effectiveness. Reuters: Hezbollah distributed 'pagers' among its members hours before the explosion. Taiwan and Bulgaria denied involvement in the purchase or sale of the exploded pagers in Lebanon. Discussions between Austin and Gallant; the United States expressed concern over the escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.