Israel has intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon by deploying a fourth division of troops in its ongoing fight against Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the death of Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah figure poised to succeed the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Safieddine had been overseeing Hezbollah’s political and military operations and had not been seen publicly since an Israeli airstrike last week.

Netanyahu claimed that Hezbollah is now significantly weaker following the death of Safieddine, calling it “an organization without a head.” Meanwhile, Hezbollah has responded with continuous rocket barrages, including more than 100 rockets aimed at the northern Israeli city of Haifa, injuring 12 people. Hezbollah’s former deputy, Naim Qassem, maintained that the group’s capabilities remain intact despite Israel’s airstrikes and losses of senior commanders.

The conflict, which erupted after Israel launched retaliatory air and ground strikes following the 7 October attack by Hamas, has seen Israel ramp up its operations across both Gaza and Lebanon. Over 1,400 people have died in Lebanon since mid-September, with more than 1.2 million displaced. The Israeli military claims to have destroyed a Hezbollah tunnel system near the Marwahin area, which they believe was being prepared to infiltrate Israel.

As the conflict escalates, Lebanon’s already fragile economy is teetering. The port of Beirut has seen a 30% drop in operations, while wheat producers in the country express concerns about their ability to plant crops for the coming season. Refugees from southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut have flooded shelters, including an abandoned shopping center in downtown Beirut, which now houses hundreds of displaced people.

For many in Lebanon, the war has brought devastation to their homes and livelihoods. Among them is Reda Mroueh, who fled southern Lebanon after airstrikes destroyed his barber shop. As Israel expands its military operations, residents fear more destruction and a prolonged conflict reminiscent of past wars.