“Swords of Iron” - The Northern Front. 12 Months of Hezbollah Attacks on Israel

“This glorious, massive operation has created an earthquake in terms of security, military affairs, politics, diplomacy, and even psychologically; it will have profound strategic consequences.” -Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, speaking about the October 7 massacre. 

Less than 24 hours after Hamas terrorists committed the October 7 massacre, Hezbollah joined the Iranian-proxy in their attack against Israel. 

The Beginning of Hezbollah’s Involvement in the “Swords of Iron” War

The day after the October 7 massacre, Hezbollah began launching heavy barrages of rockets toward Israeli territory. 

During the initial stages of the escalation, Hezbollah used anti-tank shells and short-range missiles. There were also around 90 attacks carried out on Israeli territory. In response, the IDF carried out strikes on military targets, mainly missile launch sites in Lebanon. Due to ongoing rocket fire toward northern Israeli communities such as Arab al-Aramshe, Shlomit, and Metula, approximately 60,000 civilians had to evacuate their homes. 

The End of October 2023-Beginning of January 2024

On October 27, Israel announced the beginning of a ground operation in Gaza. Immediately following the announcement, Hezbollah intensified its attacks by firing rockets and anti-tank missiles toward Israeli troops and civilian communities located in the north of Israel. 

Five days later, on November 3, Hassan Nasrallah gave a speech for the first time since the “Swords of Iron” War. In his speech, he expressed support for the October 7 Massacre and promised to assist Hamas in its aggression against Israel.

Between November and January, Hezbollah continued to escalate attacks toward Israeli territory. In addition to systematic UAVs and anti-tank missile attacks, Hezbollah increased the amount of rocket attacks toward Israeli territory. The IDF responded by striking military targets and Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon such as military sites and launch posts.

Beginning of January-Middle of April 2024

On January 5, Nasrallah delivered a speech and expressed pride that Hezbollah's systematic attacks on Israeli territory have caused the evacuation of over 60,000 civilians in northern Israel and emphasized that Hezbollah is not demanding the evacuation of residents of southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah’s attacks became more aggressive, using newer, more technological advanced weapons. The range of attacks also increased; now not only cities and villages along the Blue Line were under terrorist fire, but also additional Israeli communities such as those near the Galilee, which had not previously been under fire from the northern front. In addition to the increase in the intensity of Hezbollah's attacks, April marked one of the key events during the period of the war.

From April 14 to 15, Iran directly attacked Israel for the first time in history. UAVs, projectiles, and ballistic missiles were launched toward Israel. The IDF, together with its allies, shot down 99% of the projectiles launched. Hezbollah simultaneously fired missiles at the Golan Heights during the time of the attack.

Iranian attack. April 14-15

 The IDF responded to the new wave of attacks by striking Hezbollah's operational headquarters and other military positions in southern Lebanon. Key leaders from Hezbollah were also eliminated. During the period from February to the end of April, the IDF eliminated seven Hezbollah commanders, reducing the organization's strategic capabilities. Some of those eliminated were part of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Forces which was created to perform complex tactical tasks in the event of war with Israel. During the current war, this unit has been responsible for the destruction of entire communities and the evacuation of thousands of civilians in northern Israel.

Between January and April, the IDF continued to eliminate Hezbollah commanders. Here are their names and the dates of their eliminations: 

1. January 9: Ali Hussein Bergi, Hezbollah Drone Commander. Bergi led drone operations into Israeli territory.
2. February 15: Muhammad al-Dabas, commander of the elite Radwan Forces and his Deputy, Hassan Ibrahim Issa. Al-Dabas led a significant portion of the terrorist operations against the Israeli population. 
3. February 26: Hasan Hussein Salami, Commander of Hezbollah’s Regional Unit. Salami was responsible for shelling Israeli communities in the north of the country, especially the destruction in Kiryat Shmona.
4. March 29: Ali Abd Ahasan Naim, the second-in-command of Hezbollah's rocket forces. Naim was responsible for launching missiles such as the heavy Burkan, Falak-1, and long-range al-Mas GPS-guided missiles into civilian areas, deep into Israel. 
5. March 31: Ismail Ali al-Zin, Commander of an anti-tank unit in the Radwan Unit. al-Zin’s unit was responsible for using anti-tank missiles against peaceful Israeli cities such as Kiryat Shmona. 
6. April 8: Ali Ahmed Hasin, the commander of the Radwan unit in the Hajir region of southern Lebanon, who was responsible for operations against Israel in the area. Settlements in the Hajir region, which borders the Golan Heights, experienced some of the most intense rocket fire from Hezbollah.
7. April 16: Ismail Yusuf Baz, one of Hezbollah's senior field commanders. As part of his position, Ismail participated in the preparation and planning of rocket attacks on Israel from coastal areas of Lebanon. In addition, during the war, he organized and planned a number of terrorist attacks against Israel.

The Beginning of May 2024- The Beginning of August

Besides increasing the intensity of drone attacks, Hezbollah began to practice eco-terrorism. Taking advantage of the dry weather, Hezbollah attacked areas with a lot of trees, and these attacks caused massive fires. During the only first two weeks of June, almost 13 thousand acres of forests were burned, an area comparable to the size of Tel Aviv. The fires caused enormous harm to both the environment and civilians. Israel's northern region, known for its fertile soil and advanced agricultural infrastructure, was hit by fires that destroyed large areas of crops, orchards, and olive groves. In addition to damaging the property of local farmers, the fires also disrupted irrigation systems needed to maintain crop yields, making it impossible to grow many crops. 

In addition to the use of new forms of terrorism and an increase in the number of attacks, the rhetoric of Hezbollah representatives also changed. On June 19, Hassan Nasrallah delivered a speech and stated that, “Hezbollah is ready for a full-scale war with Israel” and they will fight “without rules or borders”. Nasrallah also began to threaten neighboring Cyprus. According to him, if it helps Israel, Hezbollah will regard Cyprus as a participant in the war. 

Hassan Nasrallah moved from the rhetoric of “resistance” to direct threats of war, which could even go beyond the regional level.

In the month of June, the number of attacks using UAVs increased. At the same time, the number of attacks using anti-tank shells and conventional drones decreased. 

In July, Hezbollah continued to actively attack Israeli territory, mainly using anti-tank missiles and UAVs. The range of attacks deep into Israel also increased, including on civilian towns that were not yet evacuated, and in mid-July, Hezbollah began attacking new civilian towns such as Neve Ziv, Manot, and Tzuriel. Some Hezbollah-launched UAVs were intercepted over targets within 30 miles of the Blue Line.

On July 27, Hezbollah attacked Israel in the Druze village of Majdal Shams with an Iranian-made Falaq-1 missile with an approximately 60 kg warhead and a range of about 6 miles. The attack was led by Hezbollah’s regional commander Fuad Shukr, who was eliminated three days later. This attack killed 12 Israeli children and wounded nearly 40 others. 

Druze village of Majdal Shams

Israel also continued to weaken Hezbollah's strategic forces by eliminating the organization's key commanders. Here is a list of Hezbollah leaders who were eliminated between these months: 

1. May 15: Hussain Ibrahim Mekky, one of Hezbollah's senior field commanders. Mekky was responsible for a large number of terrorist attacks in Israel. 
2. May 21: Qassem Saqlawi, Commander of the Rocket and Missile Array in Hezbollah's Coastal Sector. Saqlawi was responsible for planning and executing rocket attacks and anti-tank launches towards Israel from the coastal sector in Lebanon. 
3. June 12: Sami Taleb Abdullah, the commander of the Nasr Unit. His elimination was part of a strike on a Hezbollah command and control center in the area of Juaiyya in southern Lebanon, which was used to direct terrorist attacks against Israel from southeastern Lebanon in recent months.
4. July 3: Muhammad Neamah Naser, the Commander of the Aziz Unit in the Hezbollah Terrorist Organization. Naser entered his position in 2016 and led the rockets and anti-tank missile attacks from southwestern Lebanon toward Israeli civilians, communities and security forces. He also directed a large number of terrorist attacks toward Israel both during, and before the war, and he previously held several central roles within the Hezbollah terrorist organization.
5. July 6: Meitham Mustafa Altaar, key operative in Hezbollah's Aerial Defense Unit. Meitham led many of the unit's activities and took part in the planning and carrying out of numerous terrorist attacks against Israelis. Meitham also flew to Iran multiple times, where he gained knowledge and assisted in building up Hezbollah’s force and arsenal of Iranian weapons.
6. July 19: Ali Jaafar Maatuk, a commander of the Radwan Force's operations unit, along with another commander responsible for Radwan’s operations in the Hajir region. The strikes targeted Radwan Force command centers in Jmaijmeh and Majdal Selm, southern Lebanon, also eliminating additional terrorists.
7. July 30: Fuad Shukr "Sayyid Muhsan", Hezbollah’s Most Senior Military Commander and Hassan Nasrallah’s Right-Hand Man. Shukr has directed Hezbollah's attacks on the State of Israel since October 8, and he was the commander responsible for the murder of the 12 children in Majdal Shams in northern Israel on Saturday evening, as well as the killing of numerous Israelis and foreign nationals over the years. He was also responsible for the majority of Hezbollah's most advanced weaponry, including precise-guided missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, long-range rockets and UAVs.

August 

During August, the number of Hezbollah attacks increased compared to previous months. In addition to the increased frequency of attacks, Hezbollah attacked towns and kibbutzim that had not previously been attacked in this war. 

On August 16, Hezbollah released a video on its official media channels about the underground military complex "Imad 4". This complex is a network of tunnels under a mountain in southern Lebanon and is used to store part of Hezbollah's missile and weapons arsenal. The video was further evidence of the Iranian proxies' commitment to using underground facilities for military purposes. The IDF is actively working to identify these networks in order to prevent a repeat of the events of October 7 on the Blue Line - the massacre as part of the "Conquering of Galilee" plan. 

On August 25, 2024, the IDF carried out a series of preemptive airstrikes against Hezbollah facilities  in southern Lebanon. These actions were taken in response to a planned massive attack by Hezbollah, which was preparing to launch thousands of rockets and drones at strategic targets in Israel, including Ben Gurion International Airport. 

During the operation, a significant number of military targets were eliminated, including more than 1,000 launchers, which helped prevent serious damage and casualties among Israeli civilians. After the operation, Hezbollah launched more than 250 rockets and UAVs toward Israel. The Iron Dome air defense system successfully intercepted most of the projectiles.

During August, the IDF continued to eliminate Hezbollah commanders. One of them was Hussein Ali Hussein, a terrorist in Hezbollah's Rocket and Missile Unit. 

September - Beginning of October  

On September 9, Hezbollah launched a massive wave of attacks on northern Israel. Dozens of rockets and UAVs were launched during the attack.

One of the drones, launched from southern Lebanon, hit a residential building in the city of Nahariya. The drone hit the upper floors of the multi-story building, causing significant damage to several apartments. 

Ibrahim Aqil, the Head of Hezbollah's Operations Unit and the Commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Forces, was eliminated in a targeted intelligence-based strike in Beirut.

During the strike, senior operatives in Hezbollah's Operations Staff and commanders from the Radwan Unit were eliminated alongside Aqil. Ibrahim Aqil and the Radwan commanders who were eliminated were planning Hezbollah’s “Conquer the Galilee” attack plan, in which Hezbollah intended to infiltrate Israeli communities and kidnap and murder innocent civilians in a similar manner to the October 7 Massacre, but on a much larger scale.

On September 23, the IDF announced the start of Operation Northern Arrows.

During the operation, thousands of targets were attacked, including launch pads, weapons depots, and terrorist command centers. The IDF discovered numerous launch pads and weapons depots located directly in residential buildings. Among these were DR-3 cruise missiles with 300 kg of explosives that were identified inside of a house. 

Military targets were found in the following settlements: Baraachit (9 kilometers from the nearest Israeli city), Mayfadoun (11 kilometers), Tayr Debba (20 kilometers), and Houmayri (23 kilometers).

On September 25, Hezbollah launched its first attack on the Tel Aviv area and central Israel.

A surface-to-surface missile was used in the attack. As a result of the attack, more than a million Israeli civilians, including children, were forced to take refuge in bomb shelters. In addition, Hezbollah significantly increased the intensity and range of its attacks on Israel.

On October 1, the IDF revealed information about a multi-kilometer network of tunnels built under Lebanese territory. These tunnels were used by Hezbollah to plan invasions of Israel, store weapons, launch missiles, and coordinate operations. Hezbollah command headquarters were also located underground and were part of this extensive system.

Attack on the Hezbollah’s Headquarter 

On the evening of September 27, the IDF Air Force carried out a successful air operation, destroying a bunker housing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and more than 20 other high-ranking terrorists.

These individuals were responsible for planning and organizing hundreds of terrorist attacks and crimes around the world, including the United States, Germany, Argentina, and many other countries.

The bunker, which housed the Hezbollah command at the time of the strike, was located deep beneath a densely populated area in central Beirut called Dahiya. In close proximity to it, just 53 meters away, was a UN school, which underscores the cynical use of civilians by terrorists to cover up their actions.

Hezbollah Leader: Hassan Nasrallah

Hassan Nasrallah led Hezbollah for 32 years.

During this time, the organization's terrorist network spread throughout the world, turning Hezbollah into one of the most armed and powerful terrorist organizations. All key decisions in the organization were made by Nasrallah. Because of his orders, terrorist attacks were carried out, wars were waged, and weapons and drugs were smuggled. Under Nasrallah’s leadership, the largest terrorist attack in the history of Argentina was carried out, Hezbollah forces were sent to support the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, and the Second Lebanon War was unleashed.

The elimination of Hassan Nasrallah is a significant achievement in ensuring international security. His death dealt a serious blow to Hezbollah and its ability to continue terrorist activity throughout the world.

A Summary of Hezbollah’s Operational Activity Over the Past 12 Months 

Over the past 12 months, Hezbollah has launched more than 11,000 projectiles toward Israel, leaving many communities in northern Israel in ruins and causing more than 60,000 Israeli citizens to be evacuated. Fires caused by Hezbollah strikes have also burned more than 100 square kilometers of Israeli land. In order to achieve its terrorist goals, Hezbollah endangers not only Israeli civilians but also the Lebanese. Hezbollah systematically uses residential buildings and civilian objects for military purposes, as confirmed by numerous videos filmed by the IDF during operations in Lebanon. These videos show so-called “secondary explosions” – explosions of ammunition hidden in residential buildings that detonated after IDF airstrikes.

In the context of its terrorist activities, Hezbollah uses civilian locations, UN infrastructure and places of worship, which violates international law. The terrorist organization consistently violates UNSC Resolution 1701.

In response, Israel has eliminated approximately 500 Hezbollah terrorists and commanders and has also struck more than 5,000 terrorist targets. 

The IDF will keep working to defend Israeli civilians on not only the northern front, but on all fronts that pose a threat to our civilians.