Israel Eliminates Deputy Commander of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force

Latest Developments

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon eliminated the deputy commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, Mustafa Ahmad Shahadi, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on October 30. The IDF said Shahadi had “advanced numerous terrorist attacks against the State of Israel” and was responsible for Radwan Force operations in Syria from 2012 to 2017. The IDF noted that the strike on Shahadi, which occurred in the city of Nabatiyeh, is part of a strategy to degrade the Radwan Force’s capability to conduct a significant cross-border attack in Israel, commonly known as the “Conquer the Galilee Plan.”

Separately, on October 30, IDF Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted a statement on X warning the residents of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon to evacuate due to impending strikes against Hezbollah sites in the area. Hours after the warning, Lebanese media reported Israeli airstrikes in the city.

Expert Analysis

“As the United States pressures Israel for a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, it is critical that Israel continues to degrade the terror organization. The more damage Israel can inflict on Hezbollah before the ceasefire takes place, the better the chances that the peace will hold and that both Israelis and Lebanese can look forward to more security and stability.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

“The leverage Hezbollah once had over Israel in the first eleven months of the war has been severely degraded following multiple successful operations against the group’s leadership and elite Radwan Force. While Hezbollah’s new leader, Naim Qassem, may attempt to project an image of strength and resolve, Israel’s operations may have compelled the Lebanese-based group to seriously consider a ceasefire deal that will allow it to recoup the significant losses it has suffered at the hands of the Israelis.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Related Analysis

“Analysis: Naim Qassem vows Hezbollah will continue fighting,” by David Daoud

“Top Hezbollah Commander and Radwan Force Leaders Eliminated in Israeli Air Strike on Beirut,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Kills Hezbollah Radwan Force Commander,” FDD Flash Brief