IDF Awaits Hezbollah’s Response After Military Chief Elimination

The IDF is on alert for possible retaliation from the Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah after taking out its military chief in Beirut yesterday.The Times of Israel reports that the IAF has increased defenses in northern Israel, with the alert level raised for possible rocket fire. However, the IDF does not yet have any intelligence on an impending attack. The Homefront Command has not issued any warnings or changes in guidelines for civilians.

Haytham Ali Tabatabai was the most senior Hezbollah commander to be killed by Israel since a ceasefire in November 2024 that sought to end more than a year of hostilities that began with cross-border attacks by the terror group, including rocket fire at communities.

Tabatabai was considered second only to Secretary-General Naim Qassem in Hezbollah’s command structure. He was killed in a targeted airstrike in the southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut.

Iran condemned Tabatabai’s killing as a violation of the November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. However, an Israeli security source said that the Lebanese government is not committed to disarming the terror group as it was obliged to in the ceasefire, and that the strikes are well within the terms. This comes as the IDF is working tothwart any rebuilding efforts by Hezbollah.

A snap drill that will last for several days began today, aimed at testing IDF readiness at the Syrian and Lebanese borders for any “unexpected incidents.” The IDF has said that this drill was planned before and was not a result of the escalating action against Hezbollah. Still, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has instructed troops along the border of Lebanon to be on alert.

There is no outright confirmation that the 2024 ceasefire has been broken, but Israeli forces are preparing for the event that it should. With IDF forces uncovering terror infrastructure this month, it would seem Hezbollah is working to rebuild. At the same time in Gaza, the ceasefire there has been tested as well,with Hamas still employing its terror tunnels even with search efforts for the remaining three hostages.

In these times of uncertainty and fragile peace, The Fellowship and its supporters pray for a nonviolent resolution, but also for the readiness and safety of the brave men and women of the IDF.