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The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has reached a critical point, with the fate of a potential future leader for the Lebanese militant group hanging in the balance. Reports indicate that contact with Hashem Safieddine, widely considered a likely successor to Hezbollah's current leader, has been lost following a series of Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs. This loss of communication comes amidst a fierce exchange of fire between the two sides, heightening concerns about the potential consequences for the region.
A high-level Hezbollah source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, revealed that communication with Safieddine has been severed since the Israeli strikes that took place early on Friday. The source expressed uncertainty regarding Safieddine's location, stating that it is unclear whether he was present at the targeted site or who might have been with him. This ambiguity fuels speculation and underscores the volatile nature of the conflict, where the lines between civilian and military targets often blur.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding Safieddine's fate, a second source close to Hezbollah confirmed that communication channels have been disrupted, emphasizing the unknown nature of his whereabouts. The source highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Hezbollah in attempting to reach the underground headquarters that have been targeted by Israel, citing the relentless nature of the Israeli strikes that hinder rescue efforts. This description paints a picture of a desperate situation, where Hezbollah is struggling to gain access to crucial locations while facing a relentless barrage of attacks.
According to reports, Safieddine was reportedly in the company of Hajj Murtada, Hezbollah's head of intelligence, when the Israeli strikes occurred. This revelation suggests that the targets of the Israeli strikes were not merely random, but rather strategically chosen to inflict a blow at the heart of Hezbollah's leadership and intelligence network. The scale and intensity of the Israeli strikes, described as some of the most powerful since the escalation of the conflict last week, underscore the determination of both sides to gain the upper hand in this fraught conflict.
Source: Hezbollah 'loses contact' with potential new leader Safieddine after Israeli strikes