Hugo Bachega
Middle East correspondent, in Beirut

Fuad Shukr is
the most senior Hezbollah commander to have been assassinated by Israel in the
current hostilities. He was killed in an Israeli attack that hit a building in
a densely populated area of Beirut’s southern suburbs where Hezbollah has its
base. Four other people were killed, including two children – the siblings
Hassan, 10, and Amira, six.

The Israeli
military described Shukr as a right-hand man to the Hezbollah leader Hassan
Nasrallah, and someone who was involved in planning and directing operations
against Israel.

A response
from the heavily armed Iranian-supported group is almost certain. In the past,
Hezbollah responded to the killings of senior members by firing barrages of
rockets at Israel. Having a high-profile figure killed in its stronghold in
Lebanon’s capital will likely be seen by the group as a provocation that merits
a stronger response.

Shortly
before the announcement that confirmed the killing, Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu gave a televised speech, and acknowledged that challenging
days lie ahead – but that the country was prepared for any scenario.

In a recent
speech, Nasrallah said Hezbollah did not want a war with Israel, but that it was
ready for one. His group has an estimated 150,000 missiles and rockets, including
precision guided missiles that can strike deep inside Israel. Hezbollah,
Nasrallah added, had only used a fraction of its arsenal.

Nasrallah is
expected to address supporters on Thursday.