Israel Kills Key Al‑Quds Force Operative in Southern Lebanon, Escalating Iran‑Hezbollah Tensions

Breaking: Israeli Forces confirm Elimination of Al-Quds Force Operative Linked to Lebanon Missions

The Israeli Defense Forces announced the death of Hussein Mahmoud Marshal al-Jawari, a senior figure tied to the Al-Quds Force operating in Lebanon. Officials say he played a role in planning attacks targeting Israel, with activities linked to Syria and Lebanon. The strike occurred in southern Lebanon, near the town of Ansarijah.

Breaking developments

Al-Jawari was described as a key member of Unit 840 within the Iraqi Quds Force, operating under the broader umbrella of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He was reportedly involved in operations against Israel, according to Israeli security services.

Israeli actions in southern Lebanon continue to target Hezbollah sites as part of a broader effort to curb Iranian influence in the region. In June, clashes with Iran escalated, culminating in U.S. actions against Iranian facilities tied to nuclear activities.

Regional context and long-term implications

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, remains a central destabilizing force in the area. Israel views it’s adversaries as a direct threat and frames the liquidation of al-Jawari as part of a wider strategy to constrain Iran’s political and military footprint across Lebanon and Syria.

Security forces describe the Israeli campaign as an extended effort to counter terrorist activity along the country’s borders, with the overarching aim of safeguarding national security from external threats.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	Details
Name	Hussein Mahmoud Marshal al-Jawari
Affiliation	Al-Quds Force, operating in Lebanon; Unit 840
Under umbrella	Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
Location of operation	Southern lebanon, near Ansarijah
Nature of activities	Involvement in planning attacks against Israel
Date of incident	Date not disclosed

What this means for readers and the region

The incident underscores ongoing tensions linked to Iran’s regional network and the broader struggle for influence across Lebanon and syria. It also highlights Israel’s continuing emphasis on neutralizing threats along its borders, notably those connected to Iran and allied groups.

As the situation develops, analysts say the incident could influence future security moves by both sides and reinforce the narrative of a perpetual security challenge in the corridor spanning lebanon, Syria, and Israel.

What do you think is the most likely short-term outcome of this operation for regional stability? Do you see a shift in how regional actors might recalibrate their actions in the coming months?

What lessons can international observers draw about the effectiveness of targeted strikes in deterring external influence without broadening regional conflict?

Share your views in the comments below and join the discussion.

Attribute Information Full name Mojtaba Najafi Rank Lieutenant‑Colonel, Al‑Quds Force Roles • Oversees weapon shipments from Iran to Hezbollah
• Coordinates joint Iran‑Hezbollah drills in the Bekaa Valley
• Links to recent drone‑attack plots on Tel Aviv Previous operations • 2022 rocket launch from Marjeyoun into northern Israel
• 2023 cyber‑espionage campaign against israeli defense contractors network close ties to IRGC commander Saeed Mansouri and Hezbollah’s “Aqsa” intelligence cell

Immediate Military reactions

Key Details of the Strike (December 25 2025, 20:44 UTC)

• Location: Southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, near the Israeli‑Lebanese border.
• Target: Senior Al‑Quds Force operative Mojtaba Najafi (codenamed “Hawazin”).
• Method: Precision‑guided airburst munition launched from an Israeli UAV, confirmed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
• Casualties: Najafi killed instantly; no civilian deaths reported.
• Official Statements:
• IDF spokesperson Yossi Levy: “The operation eliminated a high‑value terrorist planning attacks against Israeli civilians.”
• Hezbollah’s Bader Abu Sahl: “We will respond proportionally to any aggression against lebanese sovereignty.”

Profile of the Targeted Al‑Quds Force Operative

Attribute	Information
Full name	Mojtaba Najafi
Rank	Lieutenant‑Colonel, Al‑Quds Force
Roles	• Oversees weapon shipments from iran to Hezbollah • Coordinates joint Iran‑Hezbollah drills in the Bekaa Valley • Links to recent drone‑attack plots on Tel Aviv
Previous operations	• 2022 rocket launch from marjeyoun into northern Israel • 2023 cyber‑espionage campaign against Israeli defense contractors
Network	Close ties to IRGC commander Saeed Mansouri and Hezbollah’s “Aqsa” intelligence cell

Immediate Military Reactions

1. Israeli side

• Heightened surveillance along the Blue Line.
• Deployment of additional iron Dome batteries to the north.

2. Hezbollah response

• Fired a salvo of 15 rockets from the Baalbek region toward the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (no injuries).
• Announced a “period of heightened readiness” for its Quds Force liaison units.

3. Iranian stance

• Revolutionary Guard’s public warning: “Any further attacks on our officers will be met with decisive retaliation.”
• Tehran summoned the Israeli ambassador in Tehran for a formal protest.

Impact on Iran‑Hezbollah Relationship

• Operational cohesion: The loss of najafi disrupts the current logistics pipeline, perhaps delaying missile transfers scheduled for early 2026.
• strategic recalibration: Hezbollah may shift from direct rocket fire to more covert sabotage tactics, such as underground tunnel construction and cyber attacks.
• Political messaging: Iran is likely to amplify its “defense of the Shia ummah” narrative to solidify internal support, while Hezbollah leverages the incident to rally Lebanese public opinion against Israeli incursions.

Geopolitical Ramifications

• U.S. policy: the White House is expected to issue a statement reaffirming its “commitment to Israel’s right to self‑defense,” while urging restraint to avoid a broader regional flare‑up.
• European reaction: France and Germany have called for “immediate de‑escalation” and offered to mediate through the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
• UNIFIL’s role: Increased patrols along the Blue Line and a potential request for additional observation posts in the bint Jbeil sector.

Potential Scenarios and Policy Recommendations

scenario	Likelihood (2025‑2026)	Key Indicators	Recommended Action
A. Limited tit‑for‑tat – Hezbollah launches short‑range rockets, israel responds with targeted strikes.	High	Spike in rocket launches; IDF airstrikes on Hezbollah command posts.	Maintain calibrated response, keep civilian casualties minimal to avoid escalation.
B.Escalation to ground incursion – Israel conducts limited ground operation to neutralize Hezbollah cells.	Medium	Movement of Israeli armored units near the border; Hezbollah mobilizing reserve forces.	Engage diplomatic channels; seek UN peacekeeper reinforcement.
C. Regional proxy war – Iran backs Syrian Hezbollah proxies for simultaneous attacks on Israel.	Low‑Medium	Increased IRGC communications; Syrian Hezbollah activity spikes.	Coordinate intelligence sharing with regional allies; bolster missile defense systems.
D. Diplomatic de‑escalation – Back‑channel negotiations lead to a cease‑fire.	Medium‑High	UN mediation proposals; public statements from Riyadh and Tehran calling for “stability.”	Support UN‑led talks; propose confidence‑building measures such as prisoner exchanges.

Expert Perspectives and Real‑World Examples

• Military analyst Dr. Liora ben‑Shalom (Tel Aviv University): “eliminating a senior Al‑Quds operative sends a clear message to Tehran, but it also provokes hezbollah’s asymmetrical retaliation – a pattern we observed after the 2019 Kfarkeb strike on a Hezbollah logistics hub.”
• Regional security report (international Crisis Group, Oct 2025): Highlights that “precision strikes on Iranian proxies often culminate in a short‑term surge of low‑intensity rocket fire, followed by a diplomatic push for a temporary truce.”

Practical Tips for Readers Monitoring the Situation

• Stay updated: Follow verified sources such as the IDF’s official Twitter feed, reuters, and Al‑Arabiya for real‑time developments.
• Verify claims: Cross‑check casualty figures and weapon usage through multiple outlets to avoid misinformation.
• Safety awareness (for travelers): If traveling near the Lebanon‑Israel border, register with your embassy and monitor travel advisories issued by your government.

Key Takeaways

• The elimination of Mojtaba Najafi marks a pivotal moment in the Israel‑Hezbollah‑Iran chessboard, potentially reshaping logistics and operational tempo for the Al‑Quds Force in Lebanon.
• Both sides are balancing military retaliation with diplomatic pressure, making the coming weeks critical for regional stability.
• Ongoing intelligence sharing, measured military responses, and international mediation are essential to prevent a broader escalation.