Israel says it killed Hezbollah commander before ceasefire began

The Israeli military said it conducted a wave of strikes that killed more than 150 Hezbollah fighters shortly before the ceasefire started.

It reported that one of those killed was Ali Rida Abbas, whom it identified as Hezbollah’s commander in Bint Jbeil. 

The southern Lebanese town and nearby areas had seen heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants in the days before the ceasefire, which began early Friday.

Hezbollah did not immediately confirm the commander’s killing. Israel has not released evidence to support the claim.