IDF Claims Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem's Nephew Killed In Israeli Airstrikes In Beirut

Beirut: While the US and Iran have agreed to a 14-day ceasefire, tensions remain high in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Israel on Thursday said that it has killed ​the nephew of Naim Qassem, the ​leader of the ​Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, in massive airstrikes carried out in Lebanon's Beirut on Wednesday night.

What did IDF say?

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in a post on X said that it has killed the nephew of Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem in massive airstrikes.

Taking to X, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) wrote, "ELIMINATED: Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem in Beirut. A close associate and personal advisor, Harshi played a key role in managing and securing Qassem’s office."

🔴ELIMINATED: Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem in Beirut.

A close associate and personal advisor, Harshi played a key role in managing and securing Qassem’s office.

The IDF also struck two key crossings used by Hezbollah to…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 9, 2026

"The IDF also struck two key crossings used by Hezbollah to move weapons south of the Litani River, along with 10 weapons storage sites, launchers and command centers in southern Lebanon," IDF said.

However, Hezbollah has yet to respond.

If Hezbollah confirms the death of Naim Qassem's nephew, it would be a major blow to the armed group and Tehran, as Hezbollah is one of Iran's key allies in the Middle East.

Did Israel intensifies attacks in Lebanon?

Despite the ceasefire agreement with Iran, Israel's attacks on Lebanon continue. Since Wednesday, 254 people have been killed and more than 1,165 injured in Israeli attacks. 

A Lebanese were also killed in the attack. 

Did Araghchi warn?

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned against stopping attacks on Lebanon. He also added that if the attacks on Lebanon are not stopped, Iran will cancel the ceasefire agreement. 

In a post on X, he wrote, "The terms of the Iran-US ceasefire are clear. America must choose either a ceasefire or continue the war through Israel. It cannot choose both."