US tells Israel to give advance notice of targeted killings in Lebanon

Israeli officials are simultaneously pursuing a broader strategy aimed at distancing Hezbollah from negotiations involving Iran.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The United States has instructed Israel to provide advance notice before carrying out targeted killings in Lebanon and informed Jerusalem that it does not approve of the demolition of buildings in the country, according to Israeli sources cited Thursday by Channel 12 News, as Israel continued military operations against Hezbollah targets.

Israeli officials are simultaneously pursuing a broader strategy aimed at distancing Hezbollah from negotiations involving Iran, according to the report.

Channel 12 said Israeli political and military leaders view the ongoing direct contacts between Israel and Lebanon as part of a longer-term effort to weaken Hezbollah’s ties to Tehran.

The report said Israel updated US officials before an attempted assassination in Beirut targeting Ali al-Hassani, who was identified as the missile commander in Hezbollah’s Imam Hussein Division.

Israeli sources said the notification was delivered through existing security and military coordination channels between Washington and Jerusalem. Al-Hassani was linked to Iranian-affiliated forces.

Israeli military activity has increasingly focused on areas north of the Litani River, where Channel 12 reported that between 30 and 40 targeted strikes are being carried out each day.

The report said senior Hezbollah commanders were among those killed.

Those identified included the commander of the al-Khiyam sector, the intelligence officer for the Shaqif sector, the commander of the Jibshit sector, the engineering chief and deputy engineering chief in the Yahmar sector, the engineering chief for the Jouaiya sector, and an assistant deputy commander in the Badr Unit.

Israeli officials recently reviewed a range of operational options in Lebanon before deciding to expand territorial control efforts on the ground.

Restrictions on collapsing buildings in Hezbollah strongholds influenced the decision-making process.

Since the launch of Operation Roaring Lion, the IDF has killed more than 2,500 Hezbollah operatives, including 800 since the ceasefire began, according to the report.

Israeli forces are operating on both sides of the Litani River as part of efforts to reduce Hezbollah’s firing capabilities and improve conditions in northern Israel.