Israel kills Hezbollah chief's nephew Ali Yusuf Harshi in overnight strikes in Lebanon

Israel said on Thursday that it had killed Ali Yusuf Harshi — nephew and close aide to Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem — in an overnight airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon. In a statement posted on Telegram, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Harshi, who served as Qassem’s personal secretary and advisor, played a key role in managing the leader’s office. The IDF added that the strike was part of a broader operation targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in the Lebanese capital. The Israeli military also claimed it hit two strategic crossings allegedly used by the Iran-backed group to transport weapons, rockets, and launchers across the Litani River. In addition, around 10 sites, including weapons depots, launch systems, and command centres in southern Lebanon, were reportedly targeted.

Despite a recently announced two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Israel continued its military operations in Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon. On Wednesday, Israel launched one of its largest offensives in recent months, striking more than 100 Hezbollah-linked targets in Beirut and other areas, signalling an escalation in the ongoing conflict.