IDF Strikes Hezbollah Commanders in Lebanon, Anti-Tank Missile Production Site for Hezbollah in Iran

Latest Developments

• Several Commanders Killed: The IDF announced that it had eliminated Mohammad Khadr al-Husseini, the commander of Hezbollah’s fire array in the Litani sector, in a targeted strike in the Shabrah area of southern Lebanon. Al-Husseini was reportedly responsible for numerous rocket attacks on northern Israeli communities. The IDF also attacked Hezbollah rocket and missile launchers, along with weapons depots in southern Lebanon. The IDF strikes came a day after the IDF eliminated additional Hezbollah operatives Ahmad Khreiss, commander of the group’s anti-tank unit near Nabatiyeh, and Yassin Abd al-Mun’im ‘Izz al-Din, whom the IDF said was helping to rebuild Hezbollah’s artillery capabilities.
• Hezbollah Leader Offers Support: Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said in a June 19 speech that his terrorist organization was ready to offer “all forms of support” to Iran to fight Israel. “We call on all free people, the oppressed, the resistance fighters, scholars, and those with sound opinions to raise their voices loudly and demonstrate strength, courage, and support by rallying around the noblest and most honorable leadership of Imam Khamenei,” he added. While visiting Beirut on June 19, U.S. special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack said that Hezbollah joining the war against Israel would be a “very bad decision.”
• Israel Strikes Iran-Based Anti-Tank Missile Site: Earlier in the week, the Israeli Air Force struck a site in Iran used for the production of anti-tank missiles, which were then transferred to Hezbollah. “Since the beginning of the war [October 7, 2023], Hezbollah has launched hundreds of anti-tank missiles toward Israel, injuring and killing numerous civilians and soldiers,” an IDF statement read. Israel further stated, “For years, the Iranian regime has armed the terrorist organizations surrounding the State of Israel, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Houthi terrorist regime. These organizations have suffered heavy damage as a result of IDF strikes during the war.”

FDD Expert Response

“Hezbollah has remained on the sidelines of the Iran-Israel conflict. But as the group has repeatedly made clear, it remains committed to defending the Islamic Republic. Both patron and proxy must now weigh all considerations to decide how Hezbollah will proceed. The group was, after all, severely degraded during its recent war with Israel. Hezbollah is also navigating a very delicate post-war domestic Lebanese environment, with many calling for the group’s disarmament. Any Hezbollah miscalculation could threaten its survival but so could threats to the Iranian regime’s existence. As Israel proceeds with Operation Rising Lion, it remains cognizant of the threat to its north and continues to operate daily to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities.” — David Daoud, Senior Fellow

“Despite its ongoing conflict with Iran and the focus on targeting Tehran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, Israel has made it clear that it remains the primary enforcer of the Lebanon ceasefire and will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon. While terror groups across the region may try to exploit the war to rearm, Israel has repeatedly shown it can strike both Iran and its proxies simultaneously — and with force.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Hezbollah’s Role in the Israel-Iran War Is to Await Iran’s Orders,” by David Daoud

“Israeli operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah: June 9–June 15, 2025,” by David Daoud

“Why Hezbollah is unlikely to engage in the Israel-Iran war — for now,” by David Daoud