Israeli Commandos Capture Key Hezbollah Naval Operative in Bold Lebanon Raid

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Israeli naval commandos infiltrated deep into Lebanon to capture a high-ranking Hezbollah operative in a late-night raid on November 1, 2024. The Israeli military confirmed on Saturday night that this unprecedented action took place over 140 kilometers north of Israel’s maritime border, marking a significant escalation both in the nature and location of operations against Hezbollah forces.

On November 1, Imad Amhz, a senior operative of Hezbollah's naval unit, was detained by the IDF's Shayetet-13 special operations force. He was captured during a commando raid in Batroun, about 40 kilometers north of Beirut. Such an operation is only done when it is in pursuit of… pic.twitter.com/3y20JM61Ha

— Israel-Alma (@Israel_Alma_org) November 2, 2024

 

Lebanese media reported that Israeli special forces landed on the coast of Batroun, a town south of Tripoli, under cover of night. From there, they executed a swift raid on a chalet, capturing their target and evacuating the area in speedboats before local forces could respond. The operation, led by Israel’s elite Shayetet 13 commando unit, involved meticulous planning and precise coordination. 

 

According to media reports, the captured Hezbollah operative has been identified as Imad Amhaz. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) consider Amhaz a "significant source of knowledge" within Hezbollah's naval force, an assessment that underscored his strategic value to Israeli intelligence. Amhaz has now been taken to Israel, where he is set to be interrogated by Unit 504, the Military Intelligence Directorate’s division specializing in human intelligence (HUMINT). This unit is responsible for extracting critical insights that could offer Israel a closer look into Hezbollah's naval strategies and capabilities.

 

The operation highlights Israel's determination to confront threats beyond its borders and demonstrates a growing focus on Hezbollah’s increasingly sophisticated naval operations. Hezbollah’s naval wing, reportedly bolstered by years of Iranian support, poses a latent threat to Israeli security in the Mediterranean. Israeli intelligence has indicated that Hezbollah has been expanding its naval capabilities in recent years, which include tactics and weapons that could endanger Israeli vessels and infrastructure.

 

The cross-border operation signifies the IDF’s emphasis on preemptive strategies to counter regional threats. Israel’s security officials view Hezbollah as a primary adversary, especially given the group’s growing arsenal and intelligence networks. While Hezbollah has a stronghold in southern Lebanon, this raid on northern Lebanese shores is a clear signal that Israel is willing to reach further to neutralize threats.

 

This bold action has garnered attention both for its strategic significance and the geopolitical implications it may entail. Hezbollah and its regional allies are likely to interpret the operation as a signal of Israel’s commitment to its security objectives, regardless of geographic boundaries. As regional tensions continue to simmer, this high-stakes raid underscores the complexities and risks inherent in the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, raising questions about potential responses and the future course of this decades-old rivalry.

 

Based on a report by BBC 2024-11-04