Sidon, Lebanon – An Israeli drone strike on Monday killed Mohammad Shaheen, the head of Hamas’ military operations in Lebanon, as Israel confirmed it would maintain troops in parts of southern Lebanon beyond the agreed withdrawal deadline.
Shaheen was targeted while driving in Sidon, a city in southern Lebanon, where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to operate despite the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.
Images from the aftermath show his vehicle completely destroyed, with first responders extinguishing the flames to reveal only charred remains.
Israel Accuses Shaheen of Planning Attacks
The IDF accused Shaheen of orchestrating terror attacks against Israel, allegedly funded and directed by Iran from Lebanon’s territory.
Hamas confirmed his death but referred to him only as a military commander in the region.
This strike comes just a day before the scheduled withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Lebanese border, a move that Israel has now partially reversed.
Israel Extends Presence in Southern Lebanon
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli military officials announced Monday that IDF troops will remain in five key locations along the Lebanese border as a “temporary measure.”
Israel claims this move has been approved by the U.S., though the original February 18 deadline for withdrawal was intended to mark a complete military exit.
Israeli officials insist that the full withdrawal will only happen once Hezbollah exits southern Lebanon. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that Israel remains committed to withdrawing “the right way, in a gradual way, and in a way that ensures civilian security.”
Lebanon Condemns Israeli Decision
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israel’s refusal to withdraw, insisting that the ceasefire agreement “must be respected.”
“The Israeli enemy cannot be trusted,” Aoun stated, vowing that Lebanon would use diplomatic channels to achieve full Israeli withdrawal.
Israel initially entered Lebanon in October, citing the need to neutralize Hezbollah, which had been launching attacks on northern Israeli communities. While the ceasefire agreement assigned security duties to Lebanese forces and UN peacekeepers, Israel now argues that Hezbollah’s continued presence justifies its ongoing occupation of certain areas.
With tensions still high, the situation along the Israel-Lebanon border remains volatile, and the risk of renewed hostilities persists.
