Israel claims killing Hezbollah chief’s nephew in Beirut

April 9, 2026

Jerusalem: The Israel Defence Forces said on Thursday that it has killed Ali Yusuf Harshi, personal secretary of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, in Beirut. Harshi was also the nephew of the Hezbollah chief who heads the Lebanese group backed by Iran.

IDF targets key Hezbollah sites in Lebanon
In a statement shared on X, the IDF said that it has also hit two key crossings used by Hezbollah for moving weapons south of the Litani River and 10 weapons storage sites, launchers and command centres in southern Lebanon.

“ELIMINATED: Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem in Beirut. A close associate and personal advisor, Harshi played a key role in managing and securing Qassem’s office. The IDF also struck two key crossings used by Hezbollah to move weapons south of the Litani River, along with 10 weapons storage sites, launchers and command centers in southern Lebanon,” IDF posted on X.

Strikes follow ceasefire announcement
The development comes a day after the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire agreement.

Earlier, the IDF claimed it has killed a Hamas operative allegedly posing as a journalist. According to the IDF, Muhammad Samir Muhammad Washah was involved in planning attacks against Israeli forces and played a role in weapons production and transfer in Gaza.

Israel vows continued operations against Hezbollah
On Wednesday, IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Eyal Zamir, while overseeing the strikes against Hezbollah, said Israel would continue its operations.

“We will not compromise the security of the residents of northern Israel. We will continue to strike with determination,” he said.

The IDF also stated that it carried out its largest coordinated strike in Lebanon since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, targeting over 100 Hezbollah sites, including headquarters, military infrastructure and command centres across Beirut, Beqaa and southern Lebanon.