The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday announced that they had killed Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary and close adviser to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, during Israeli airstrikes in Beirut.
According to the IDF, Harshi played a significant role in managing and securing Qassem’s office, making him a key figure within the Iran-backed group. The Israeli military confirmed the strike in a statement, saying, “Yesterday, the IDF struck in the Beirut area and eliminated Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary and nephew of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem.”
🔴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
Israeli Strikes Target Weapons Sites and Crossings
In addition to eliminating Harshi, the IDF reported that they targeted multiple Hezbollah assets in southern Lebanon. This included two major crossings used by Hezbollah to transport weapons south of the Litani River and ten weapons storage sites, rocket launchers, and command centers.
These strikes were part of Israel’s ongoing operations in Lebanon, despite a recent ceasefire agreement announced with Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has clarified that Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire deal.
Earlier Hamas Targeted by Israeli Forces
Earlier on Thursday, the IDF claimed to have killed Muhammad Samir Muhammad Washah, a Hamas operative operating under the cover of an Al Jazeera journalist. “Washah, a key terrorist in Hamas’ rocket and weapons production headquarters, was also involved in the production and transfer of weapons through Gaza. The terrorist was actively involved in planning attacks against IDF troops and posed a concrete threat to forces in the area,” the IDF said.
Who Was Ali Yusuf Harshi?
Ali Yusuf Harshi was a senior aide to Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem, responsible for office security and administrative management. His death is seen as a significant blow to the group’s operational structure. Hezbollah has continued to retaliate against Israeli strikes. In a statement, the group said, “In response to the enemy’s violation of the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah targeted the Israeli kibbutz of Manara near the border with Lebanon with a rocket barrage early Thursday.” The militant group justified the strikes as its “right” to respond to Israeli actions across Beirut, citing violations of the US-Iran ceasefire.
Continuing Tensions in the Middle East Region
Despite the ceasefire between the US and Iran, hostilities remain active in southern Lebanon. The recent strikes on key Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure highlight the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing threat of escalation in the region.
