Israel conducted a targeted strike in Beirut on Wednesday night local time against the head of Hezbollah's executive committee Hashim Safi al-Din, three Israeli officials said. Why it matters: Safi al-Din is the leading figure to succeed Hassan Nasrallah as Hezbollah's leader.

The Israeli military is assessing whether or Hashem Safieddine is dead after a targeted airstrike in Lebanon. Safieddine is believed to have taken over Hezbollah's command last week.

Hamas' leader in Lebanon is the latest Palestinian militant group commander killed there by Israeli airstrikes in recent days, including Hezbollah's longtime chief, Hassan Nasrallah.