An Israeli commando unit has captured a senior Hezbollah operative after storming a beach in northern Lebanon.
During a coordinated military action over the weekend, forces from the Israel Defense Force's elite Shayetet 13 unit apprehended Imad Amhaz, a key Hezbollah figure, enhancing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the New York Post reported.
The operation took place along the northern Lebanese coastline, where Israeli commandos launched a raid on a facility operated by Hezbollah in Batroun. Authorities captured Imad Amhaz, a suspected significant operative within Hezbollah, and swiftly transported him by speedboat to a secure location for interrogation.
Israeli forces deployed their elite Shayetet 13 unit, known for its proficiency in maritime and coastal operations, to execute the raid, indicating the high value placed on capturing Amhaz. The Israeli Defense Force believes that Amhaz holds critical intelligence about Hezbollah’s naval capabilities and strategies.
Hezbollah, while not confirming Amhaz’s role within their organization, vehemently condemned the Israeli operation. They describe the raid as an escalation in the ongoing conflict which began intensifying on October 8, 2023, with daily attacks.
In southern Lebanon, in addition to the Batroun operation, Israeli forces targeted a Hezbollah tunnel and compound. The raid was met with heavy resistance, resulting in the death of several Hezbollah operatives. The IDF also seized an arsenal within the tunnel, including rocket launchers, assault rifles, explosives, and anti-tank missiles. The Israeli forces subsequently destroyed the compound, ensuring it could no longer be used for militant operations.
Lebanese officials and Hezbollah have sharply criticized Israel's characterization of Imad Amhaz as a militant operative. Lebanon’s minister of public works and transport, Ali Hamie, stressed that Amhaz was merely a captain of civilian ships, further emphasizing his role as a student at a civilian naval institute.
Despite these assertions, the IDF insists on the strategic importance of Amhaz's capture. Their statement clarified that his knowledge is pivotal for understanding and countering Hezbollah's maritime activities. IDF estimates suggest significant Hezbollah losses since the intensified conflict began, with approximately 2,000 operatives killed, including their leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Ali Hamie expanded on his criticism of the Israeli action, undermining the claims around Amhaz’s involvement with Hezbollah. He expressed concerns about the implications of such operations on regional stability and the lives of civilians involved in maritime professions.
Ali Hamie commented, "This brazen assault on Lebanese sovereignty under the pretext of combating terrorism not only jeopardizes the livelihood of innocent civilians but also escalates tensions that can only lead to more violence and suffering on both sides."
This incident marks a continuation of the cycle of retaliation that has characterized the conflict since October 2023, with Hezbollah increasing its attacks, launching over a hundred rockets and drones daily towards Israel. Israeli casualties since the beginning of escalated conflicts include 39 civilians and 61 soldiers and reservists.
As the dust settles on this latest operation, the long-term implications of the regional conflict remain uncertain. Israel's aggressive stance and the successful execution of these raids underscore its commitment to combating Hezbollah's influence and operations amidst daily attacks.
The capture of Amhaz is seen by military analysts as part of a broader Israeli strategy to destabilize Hezbollah's operational capabilities. However, the immediate reaction from Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah might spur further violence, threatening an already fragile peace in the region.
The international community watches closely as both sides brace for potential escalations. The outcomes of Amhaz’s interrogation could further influence the strategic dynamics between Israel and Hezbollah, impacting future engagements and potentially altering the course of the ongoing conflict.
