Israeli military warns it will begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men, move that could split government
PBS NewsHourJul 26
Hezbollah Confirms Israeli Strike Killed Commander in Beirut
Above: Hezbollah fighters attend the funerals of Hezbollah fighters Abbas Ahmad Srour and Mohammad Hussein Kassem during their funeral on June 29, 2024 in Aita al Chaab, Lebanon. Image copyright: Chris McGrath/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Hezbollah confirmed on Wednesday that one of its top commanders was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut the day prior.
The target of the strike was Fuad Shukr, also known as Hajj Mohsin, a senior adviser to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who Israel accused of being behind a rocket attack on the Golan Heights town Majdal Shams over the weekend that killed 12 children and teens. His body was found under the rubble on Wednesday.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Israel must be able to defend itself from terrorist attacks from Gaza or elsewhere, and the US is committed to preventing malicious actors from threatening Israel's legitimate concerns. Nonetheless, no one wants to see the situation on the Lebanese border escalate, and the US will continue working toward a diplomatic solution.
Pro-Israel narrative
If Hezbollah continues to attack Israeli civilians, it will face an even more destructive response. Day after day, Hezbollah has fired rockets into northern Israel, displacing the population and sowing terror. Israel has shown incredible restraint due to foreign pressure, but it will soon have to act more forcefully to deal with the presence of terrorists on its borders.
Narrative C
Hezbollah and the regional resistance's primary goal has always been to end the war in Gaza, not start a far larger regional conflict. Hezbollah's military posture has deterred Israel, forcing it to fight on two fronts. Nonetheless, Israel's aggression against Beirut must be responded to.