Tel Aviv [Israel], November 18: Mohammed Afif, Hezbollah’s media relations chief, was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting the headquarters of the Syrian Ba’ath Party in central Beirut, Times of Israel reported on Sunday.
Hezbollah confirmed Afif’s death, while Israeli authorities have yet to officially acknowledge the killing, according to Times of Israel.
Key Figure in Hezbollah’s Media Operations
Mohammed Afif played a prominent role in Hezbollah’s media activities, hosting press conferences and managing its Al-Manar television station before assuming his role as the top media relations officer for the group.
In recent remarks, Afif asserted Hezbollah’s readiness for a protracted conflict, stating the group had sufficient weaponry for a “long war” against Israel, Al Jazeera reported.
Targeting Hezbollah Leadership
The killing of Afif is part of what appears to be Israel’s broader strategy to dismantle Hezbollah’s leadership. Earlier, Israel targeted Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader, leading the group to name Hashem Safieddine as his successor.
Heightened Tensions
The strike comes amid increasing hostility between Israel and Hezbollah. On Sunday, three suspects were arrested for allegedly throwing flares at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea.
Two flares landed in the courtyard of Netanyahu’s home, but neither the Prime Minister nor his family was present at the time.
In October, Netanyahu’s residence was reportedly attacked by a Hezbollah drone. Images showed cracks in a bedroom window, believed to be made of reinforced glass. The drone failed to penetrate the residence, and Netanyahu’s family was also absent during the incident.
The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with high-profile targets and symbolic attacks marking a tense period in Israeli-Hezbollah relations.
