Israel Targets Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem for Assassination as Beirut Airstrikes Leave 31 Dead Amid Massive Displacement

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Monday, March 2, 2026, that Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem is now a "target for liquidation". The announcement follows Hezbollah's first major violation of the 2024 ceasefire, launching rockets at Israel to avenge the death of Iranian Leader Ali Khamenei. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed the military has shifted to an "offensive campaign," warning of extended days of heavy combat.

In Lebanon, at least 31 people were killed and 149 injured in a wave of strikes hitting Beirut’s southern suburbs (Dahieh) and 50 southern villages. The IDF has ordered the immediate evacuation of approximately 50 towns in southern Lebanon, leading to a massive exodus of civilians. Israeli Northern Command chief Rafi Milo stated that Hezbollah would pay a "heavy price" for prioritizing the Iranian regime over the Lebanese state.