Israel claims killing of Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem's nephew and personal adviser Ali Yusuf Harshi as conflict intensifies
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "Israel claims killing of Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem's nephew and personal adviser Ali Yusuf Harshi as conflict intensifies")
Naim Qassem, current leader of Hezbollah, addresses people through a screen in a televised address in Sep, 2025 Photograph: (AFP)
Israel intensified strikes in Lebanon, killing a close aide to Hezbollah’s chief, amid disputes over a US-Iran ceasefire. While Israel excludes Lebanon from the deal, Iran disagrees. Trump warned of escalation, keeping pressure on Tehran as regional tensions rise.
As Israel expanded its offensive on Hezbollah in Lebanon, it was reported by Israeli military that it has killed a close advisor and nephew of Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem said on Thursday (Apr 9). Even as Iran and the United States agreed to stop hostilities for a period of two weeks, Lebanon has become the primary issue with Israel claiming that it was not included in the deal and Iran saying otherwise. The US has also sided with Israel on the matter and called it a "reasonable misunderstanding" between the parties.
"The IDF struck in the Beirut area and eliminated Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary and nephew of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem," the military said. Harshi was "a close associate and personal adviser to... Qassem and played a central role in managing and securing his office", it added.
Israel-Lebanon conflict
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first reaction, backed the ceasefire decision but said Lebanon was not included in the deal. In a televised address, Netanyahu described the truce as a “milestone”, warning that the Israeli military has its "finger on the trigger" and is ready to resume fighting at any moment if necessary. The Israeli military hit more than 100 targets within just 10 minutes across Lebanon. Israel has warned of more strikes and have issued evacuation alert in areas near Southern Lebanon on Thursday (Apr 9).
What we know about the ceasefire and contrast in versions?
US and Iran announced a ceasefire on April 7 and agreed to halt hostilities for a period of two weeks. Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz immediately, while the US agreed to discuss the 10 points plan by Tehran. Pakistan. Both the countries thanked Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, establishing the country as the chief mediator. However, conflicting versions of the ceasefire emerged after Israel in its first statement said that Lebanon is not included. Iran said that it is, while Trump administration denied. Iran also said that it has right to enruch uranium, while Trump said “it will be taken care of.”
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Trump's latest threat
A day after Iran and the United States announced a ceasefire, US President Donald Trump issued another warning, while he also exuded his confidence that the truce will continue and Strait of Hormuz will be open. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that all US warships, aircraft, additional ammunition, weaponry and military personnel will remain in place in, and around, Iran till “REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with.” Trump's emphasis on the world "real" stems from the confusion and contrast between the version of ceasefire between Iran, the US and Israel. On Thursday (Apr 9), Trump's post also issued warning to Tehran, who said that they are shutting Strait of Hormuz again after Israel attacked Lebanon. “If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the “Shootin’ Starts,” bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before. It was agreed, a long time ago, and despite all of the fake rhetoric to the contrary - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS and, the Strait of Hormuz WILL BE OPEN & SAFE," Trump said.
