Israeli Defense Minister Israel Kartz announced on Monday that Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem has become a clear target for assassination. Kartz stated that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the Israeli military to take tough measures against Hezbollah.

The statement marks an escalation in Israel’s stance toward Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group. The announcement follows ongoing regional tensions involving Israel, Lebanon, and Iran, as well as recent incidents such as the downing of drones near British bases in Cyprus and restrictions on Hezbollah’s military operations in Lebanon.

The declaration signals a potential intensification of Israeli military actions against Hezbollah, though no further operational details were disclosed in the report.