IDF estimates it killed some 3,500 Hezbollah operatives during conflict

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Mourners carry the coffins of Hezbollah terrorists Mohammed Hussein Qassem and Abbas Ahmed Soror, who were killed by an Israeli strike, during their funeral procession in Aita al-Shaab village, south Lebanon, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Mourners carry the coffins of Hezbollah terrorists Mohammed Hussein Qassem and Abbas Ahmed Soror, who were killed by an Israeli strike, during their funeral procession in Aita al-Shaab village, south Lebanon, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

The IDF estimates that it has killed some 3,500 Hezbollah operatives in the past 14 months of fighting, the majority during the ground offensive in southern Lebanon that was launched in late September.

According to the military’s estimates, there are at least double that number of seriously and moderately wounded operatives — some 7,000 — who are unable to fight.

Hezbollah is seen by the IDF as significantly weakened but not destroyed, as it still maintains about half of its basic capabilities, according to the military.

The IDF now says it is working to “aggressively” enforce the ceasefire and prevent Hezbollah from rearming and establishing infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

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