The IDF confirmed Thursday that it killed Ahmad Ghaleb Balout, commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, in a targeted strike in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district.
The strike was carried out Wednesday night with the approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, according to a joint statement issued after the operation.
“Radwan terrorists, led by him, were responsible for fire at Israeli communities and attacks on IDF soldiers,” the statement said. “No terrorist has immunity. Israel’s long arm will reach every enemy and murderer.”
According to the IDF, Balout had held several senior roles in the Radwan Force over the years, including operations commander, before becoming head of the unit. In those roles, he was responsible for the unit’s combat readiness and for directing terrorist operations against Israel.
The IDF said that during the current war, and especially in recent months, Balout directed Radwan terrorists and oversaw dozens of attack plans against IDF forces operating in southern Lebanon. These included anti-tank missile fire and explosive devices targeting Israeli troops.
Balout was also involved in efforts to rebuild the Radwan Force after heavy losses inflicted by the IDF. The military said he worked to advance the unit’s long-standing “Conquer the Galilee” plan, which envisioned an invasion of northern Israel and attacks on Israeli communities.
The Radwan Force is Hezbollah’s elite commando unit and has long been considered one of the group’s main offensive threats to northern Israel. Israeli officials have repeatedly said the unit operates with funding, training and direction from Iran.
