Jerusalem [Israel], November 28: The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that it has confirmed the death of Ja’far Ali Samaha, the head of Hezbollah’s Air Unit and its deputy commander. Samaha’s elimination marks the destruction of the unit’s entire chain of command, responsible for launching drones and cruise missiles at Israel. The announcement coincided with the initiation of a ceasefire in Lebanon.
According to the IDF, Samaha was killed in a targeted airstrike in Beirut on Tuesday. The military stated that Hezbollah’s Air Unit had been established under Iranian guidance, receiving substantial support, including drones, missiles, and training, from Tehran.
“Hezbollah’s air unit was established under Iranian leadership. Over the years, the unit has received drones, cruise missiles, and production components from Iran, while training has been provided to the unit’s operators,” the IDF said.
The unit’s assets were allegedly concealed within civilian homes throughout Lebanon, a strategy criticized by Israeli officials.
Since September 23, when Israel began its air campaign against Hezbollah, the IDF has conducted over 200 strikes targeting facilities linked to the Air Unit. These strikes have destroyed more than 150 drone launching sites, 30 command centers, four factories for missiles and drones, and an estimated 70% of Hezbollah’s UAV arsenal.
The ceasefire, effective as of 4:00 AM on Wednesday, includes several conditions. Hezbollah is required to withdraw armed forces from southern Lebanon, south of the Litani River, and Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Armed Forces and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will deploy along the 120 km border with Israel.
Hezbollah escalated its aerial attacks on northern Israeli communities after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks near the Gaza border. This led to the displacement of over 68,000 residents in northern Israel. Hezbollah leadership has openly stated its goal of preventing Israeli residents from returning to their homes.
The ceasefire terms are rooted in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War and prohibits Hezbollah’s activities in southern Lebanon.
The October 7 Hamas attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people and the abduction of 252 Israelis and foreign nationals. Of the 97 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas also continues to hold two Israeli civilians captive, along with the remains of two soldiers killed in 2014.
