Hezbollah official says retaliation for Fuad Shukr assassination had been delayed by hostage deal talks

A Hezbollah official says that the group’s rocket and drone attack against Israel early this morning in retaliation for the assassination of the terror group’s top commander Fuad Shukr last month had been delayed by “political considerations,” chiefly among them the ongoing talks on a ceasefire and hostage release deal for the Gaza Strip.

He does not elaborate as to why the group decided to launch its attack despite the still-ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

The official, in written comments shared with media outlets, claims the group had “worked” to make sure its response to the July 30 assassination would not trigger a full-scale war.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.