“The strike targeted a Hezbollah terrorist who had recently directed Hamas operatives and assisted them in planning a significant and imminent terror attack against Israeli civilians,” the IDF said in a joint statement with the state security agency Shin Bet.
The militant reportedly posed a "real and immediate threat."
Israel maintains a military presence in key strategic areas in southern Lebanon, asserting that the Lebanese government is not adequately addressing the threat posed by Hezbollah and other armed groups.
Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the disarmament of Hamas and their withdrawal from Gaza, vowing to increase pressure on the group and continue efforts to free hostages.
Hamas's refusal to extend the ceasefire on Israeli terms and resume hostilities
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was signed on January 15, 2025, and took effect on January 19. The agreement includes three stages. The first stage, which ended in early March, saw a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip, and the release of more than 30 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The second stage included further hostage releases and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, while the third stage was to involve the reconstruction of Gaza.
However, on March 1, Hamas rejected Israel's proposal to extend the first stage of the ceasefire. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem also said there were no negotiations on a second stage at that time.
On March 9, Israel cut off electricity to Gaza to increase pressure on Hamas, which is still holding 59 hostages.
On March 18, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Forces launched large-scale strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza.
The IDF also announced the killing of the de facto Hamas prime minister and other senior officials.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on March 21 that if Hamas did not release the remaining hostages, Israel might annex parts of the Gaza Strip.
He ordered the IDF to seize additional areas and evacuate Palestinian civilians, vowing to intensify the military campaign until the hostages are freed and Hamas is defeated.
On March 30, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya accepted a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar.