Israel Eliminates Head of Hezbollah Drone Unit

Latest Developments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated Muhammad Hussein Srour, also known as Abu Saleh — the leader of Hezbollah’s aerial unit — in a precision strike in Beirut on September 26. Saleh oversaw Hezbollah’s drone activity as well as the Iran-backed terror group’s cruise missiles and aerial defenses. “Srour advanced and directed numerous aerial terror attacks, including drone attacks, cruise missiles, and UAVs aimed at the people of Israel,” the IDF said in a statement. “In recent years, Srour led the manufacturing project of UAVs in southern Lebanon and established UAV manufacturing and intelligence gathering sites in Lebanon, located adjacent to civilian infrastructure in Beirut, as well as areas in southern Lebanon.”

The strike reportedly involved three missiles directed toward a 10-story apartment building in Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburb — a Hezbollah stronghold — near the site where the IDF eliminated senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil on September 20.

Saleh’s elimination came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly and as he downplayed the possibility of a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah.

Expert Analysis

“Ceasefire proposals cannot solve the threat that Hezbollah poses to Israel. Any interruption in the fighting, in fact, would only give the organization breathing room to regroup.” — David Daoud, FDD Senior Fellow

“The Israel Defense Forces continues to keep up the pressure on Hezbollah through airstrikes targeting its commanders. Hezbollah kamikaze drones have been an increasing threat to Israel over the past year. Targeting the head of Hezbollah’s drone force is an important step in reducing the Hezbollah threat to Israel.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

Israeli Officials Rebuff U.S., French Ceasefire Proposal

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the United States, France, and partners called for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. “We call on all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary cease-fire immediately,” the countries said in a joint statement. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded to the proposal on X, writing that Israel “will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organization with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes.” On September 26, Netanyahu’s office released a statement noting that “the report about a ceasefire is incorrect” and that “the Prime Minister has not even responded to” the American and French proposal. “The Prime Minister has directed the IDF to continue fighting with full force, according to the plan that was presented to him,” Netanyahu’s office added.

IDF Prepares for Possible Ground Operation Against Hezbollah

Israeli troops are training for a possible ground operation against Hezbollah. The IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade conducted an exercise in northern Israel, training in similar terrain that it might face in southern Lebanon. The IDF has been conducting numerous drills with other units in the north to prepare troops for the challenges they will face fighting Hezbollah. On September 25, the IDF said it was calling up two reserve brigades. Israel’s top general, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, said Israeli forces were involved in preparing “the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah.”

Related Analysis

“IDF Reserve Brigades Deployed in Northern Israel as Hezbollah Launches Ballistic Missile at Tel Aviv,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israeli Strike on Beirut Eliminates Hezbollah Missile Chief,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Calls on Lebanese Civilians to Leave Areas Where Hezbollah Is Active,” FDD Flash Brief