The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a precision strike in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, killing Hezbollah operative Abu Ali Salameh. Israeli authorities identified Salameh as a liaison officer responsible for coordinating Hezbollah activity in civilian areas and obstructing Lebanese army efforts to dismantle a weapons cache in Yanouh last month.

According to the IDF, Salameh moved weapons to evade Lebanese forces and violated the 2024 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire by embedding arms in populated areas. The military emphasized that residents were warned ahead of the planned strike, but the operation was temporarily postponed when the Lebanese army arrived at the site to avoid civilian casualties and reduce the risk of escalation.

Video footage released by the IDF shows a missile striking Salameh’s vehicle on a rural road, followed by an explosion and smoke. Officials described the operation as carefully coordinated to minimize collateral damage while maintaining enforcement of disarmament protocols. The strike reflects ongoing Israeli efforts to contain Hezbollah’s operational capabilities, particularly following the group’s weakened position after the 2024 conflict.

Although the operation killed a key figure within Hezbollah, there has been no immediate reported escalation in the region. Online reactions have framed the strike as a necessary deterrent against Iranian-backed proxies and a signal of Israel’s commitment to defending its borders and enforcing the ceasefire.

The IDF stated that it remains vigilant against threats in southern Lebanon, underscoring its readiness to respond to violations of ceasefire agreements and to counter attempts to rearm militant groups operating near civilian populations.