On 17 February 2025 Israeli forces conducted an airstrike in Sidon a coastal city in southern Lebanon resulting in the death of Mohammed Shaheen, the head of Hamas operations in Lebanon. Israeli military confirmed the operation stating that Shaheen was a key figure in planning and advancing attacks against Israeli civilians using Lebanese territory with support and funding from Iran. According to the IDF Shaheen was a significant source of knowledge within Hamas and played a crucial role in advancing various terror attacks including rocket fire aimed at the Israeli home front. Operation occurred just a day before the deadline for Israel's complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon as stipulated in a US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Strike targeted a vehicle in Sidon located approximately 25 miles south of Beirut. Lebanese security sources confirmed that an Israeli airstrike targeted a car in the city but initial reports did not identify the victim. Later reports indicated that rescuers had removed one body vehicle. Al Mayadeen a pro-Hezbollah broadcaster based in Lebanon reported that an Israeli drone strike targeted the car. Video footage circulating on social media showed a vehicle on fire with a large plume of black smoke rising from it. Israeli military has been conducting airstrikes against members of Hamas Hezbollah and other factions in Lebanon coinciding with its operations in Gaza.
In the aftermath of the strike tensions remain high as Israel seeks to maintain troops in certain positions in southern Lebanon beyond the agreed-upon withdrawal deadline. February 18 deadline was initially set after Israel and Lebanon agreed to postpone the original late-January deadline. Israel now insists on maintaining troops in five positions in southern Lebanon beyond new deadline. This development could further strain fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged sponsors of deal to pressure Israel into withdrawing its troops by deadline. Situation remains tense with potential for further escalation depending on how involved parties respond to these recent events.
Strike targeted a vehicle in Sidon located approximately 25 miles south of Beirut. Lebanese security sources confirmed that an Israeli airstrike targeted a car in the city but initial reports did not identify the victim. Later reports indicated that rescuers had removed one body vehicle. Al Mayadeen a pro-Hezbollah broadcaster based in Lebanon reported that an Israeli drone strike targeted the car. Video footage circulating on social media showed a vehicle on fire with a large plume of black smoke rising from it. Israeli military has been conducting airstrikes against members of Hamas Hezbollah and other factions in Lebanon coinciding with its operations in Gaza.
In the aftermath of the strike tensions remain high as Israel seeks to maintain troops in certain positions in southern Lebanon beyond the agreed-upon withdrawal deadline. February 18 deadline was initially set after Israel and Lebanon agreed to postpone the original late-January deadline. Israel now insists on maintaining troops in five positions in southern Lebanon beyond new deadline. This development could further strain fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged sponsors of deal to pressure Israel into withdrawing its troops by deadline. Situation remains tense with potential for further escalation depending on how involved parties respond to these recent events.
