The Israeli military confirmed the elimination of Hussein Makled, head of Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters, following escalating exchanges between Israel and the Lebanese Shi'ite group. 

This was followed by an address by IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Eyal Zamir in which he outlined Israel’s military objectives against Hezbollah.

The strike followed Hezbollah's entry into the broader Israel-US-Iran conflict during the early hours of March 2, when the group fired rockets and drones toward Haifa and central Israel. Israel responded with airstrikes, killing Mohammed Raad, head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc. 

IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin subsequently announced that Israel is considering a ground invasion of Lebanon, whilst Defence Minister Israel Katz designated Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem as a military target.

"Overnight, the IDF struck and eliminated the terrorist Hussein Makled, the head of Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters," the IDF stated in a press release. "Over the past several years, Makled held a series of roles in Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters and was appointed to this role following the elimination of his predecessor, Hussein Hazima, during Operation 'Northern Arrows', alongside the head of the organisation's executive council, Hashem Safieddine."

"The Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces have been warned numerous times to disarm Hezbollah recently. They did not act, and so we know how to defend ourselves with our own means," Zamir continued. "We will continue to insist that Hezbollah be disarmed. This is a demand we will not relinquish. The IDF will not conclude the campaign before the threat from Lebanon is eliminated."

The IDF chief also sought to reassure residents of northern Israel close to the Lebanon border of their safety. “To the residents of the north, I say here: the IDF controls the skies over Lebanon and is present on the front line. Every threat that is identified will be dismantled.”