Beirut: Israeli military claimed that Commander Nabil Kaouk, one of Hezbollah’s senior leaders, was killed in an airstrike. Following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, Nabil Kaouk’s killing dealt another major blow to the group. Although Israel reported that Kaouk was killed in an attack on Saturday, Hezbollah has yet to confirm it.
Nabil Kaouk, the deputy head of Hezbollah’s central command, served as an executive council member. Active in the organization since the 1980s, Kaouk played a pivotal role during the 2006 war with Israel. At that time, he frequently appeared in the media to clarify Hezbollah’s stances and discuss security matters. Kaouk was also named as one of Nasrallah’s potential successors.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the assassination of 64-year-old Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a bombing in southern Beirut on Friday a “turning point.” Israel is reportedly pursuing a strategy of continuously monitoring and targeting Hamas and Hezbollah leaders’ actions and movements. The details of the slain Hezbollah leaders have been released by Israel.
According to international media reports, all key leaders of the Jihad Council have been killed. This council led attack planning, while only the leaders of the decision-making Shura Council remain. International media suggest Hashim Safi al-Din, a member of the Shura Council, is likely to succeed Nasrallah. Safi al-Din, a relative of Nasrallah and the head of Hezbollah’s executive council, plays a key role in Hezbollah’s political and economic affairs.
Hezbollah Leaders Killed in Recent Israeli Attacks:
- Southern Front Commander Ali Karaki (killed – September 27)
- Senior Leader Ibrahim Aqil (September 20)
- Commander Fuad Shukr (July 30)
- Rocket Division Head Ibrahim Muhammad Qubaisi (September 24)
- Commander Wasim al-Tawil
- Military Trainer Abu Hassan Sameer
- Area Commander Mohammad Hussein
Surviving Key Leaders: Naim Qassem, Hashim Safi al-Din, Ibrahim Amin al-Sayed, and Mohammad Raad. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all Kuwaiti citizens residing in Lebanon to leave the country immediately.
RELATED | Hassan Nasrallah’s Legacy: Hezbollah’s Allies, Enemies, and Future