IDF Says It Killed Hezbollah Chief’s Aide in Beirut Strike, Targets Crossings and Weapons Sites

09/04/2026

IDF Says It Killed Hezbollah Chief’s Aide in Beirut Strike, Targets Crossings and Weapons Sites

TEL AVIV, April 9: The Israeli military said it has killed Ali Yusuf Harshi, identified as the personal secretary and nephew of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, in a strike in Beirut.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Harshi was a close adviser and associate of Qassem and played a central role in managing and securing his office. The military described the operation as a targeted strike in the Lebanese capital.

In a separate statement, the IDF said it also struck two key crossings used by Hezbollah fighters and commanders to move between northern and southern areas of the Litani River, alleging they were used to transfer weapons, rockets, and launchers.

The Israeli military added that around 10 additional sites in southern Lebanon were hit overnight, including weapons storage facilities, rocket launchers, and command centers allegedly used by Hezbollah.

The escalation comes amid intensifying cross-border hostilities, with both sides continuing to report strikes and counterstrikes across multiple fronts in Lebanon.