Israel targets senior aide of Hezbollah in Beirut, as clashes intensify despite ceasefire claims.
April 9, 2026: Israel’s military said it carried out a strike in Beirut, killing Ali Yusuf Harshi, a senior aide to Naim Qassem. According to the Israeli Defence Forces, Harshi—described as Qassem’s nephew and personal secretary—played a key role in managing the Hezbollah chief’s office. The strike comes amid intensified Israeli operations across Lebanon.
In response, Hezbollah launched rockets towards northern Israel, targeting the border community of Manara. The group accused Israel of violating the ceasefire linked to the United States-Iran truce and asserted its right to retaliate. Meanwhile, Lebanon declared a day of mourning after over 254 people were killed and more than 1,100 injured in a single day of airstrikes, highlighting the worsening humanitarian crisis.
Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire agreement, a stance also supported by JD Vance. However, Shehbaz Sharif claimed the truce included Lebanon, while Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned that any breach could derail peace efforts. The conflicting positions underline the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the risk of further escalation in the region.