The Israeli Air Force conducted a targeted strike this morning in the southern Lebanese town of Zebdine, near Nabatieh, killing Hasan Ali Jamil Atwi, a senior member of Hezbollah’s Aerial Defense Unit, along with his wife, Zainab Raslan.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Atwi was a “significant source of knowledge” within Hezbollah and played a key role in rebuilding the group’s air defense infrastructure. He was also reportedly involved in procuring advanced equipment for Hezbollah’s air defense systems with direct support from Iran.

Israeli officials described the strike as part of a broader effort to degrade Hezbollah’s growing military capabilities in southern Lebanon, which Israel views as a mounting regional threat.

The precision airstrike highlights Israel’s continued intelligence reach and operational effectiveness against high-value targets linked to Iranian-backed militant networks.

Lebanese authorities have not issued an official statement, but local reports indicate that the explosion caused a fire in the immediate area. No additional casualties have been reported.

The incident underscores the escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, as Israel continues to target Hezbollah operatives involved in the group’s military buildup.