2 Australians Killed in Lebanon Air Strikes, 1 Allegedly Had Ties to Hezbollah

Smoke billows after Israeli bombardment on the outskirts of the village of Tayr Harfa close to the Israeli border in south Lebanon, on Dec. 9, 2023. AFP via Getty Images

An Australian man who died in an Israeli air strike in south Lebanon was allegedly linked to the terrorist group Hezbollah.

The strike in the town of Bint Jbeil killed Lebanese Australian man Ibrahim Bazzi, his Lebanese wife Shorouk and his brother Ali Bazzi.

Ali Bazzi was a member of Hezbollah, according to local sources and security who spoke to Reuters.

Acting Foreign Minister Mark Dreyfus has revealed that the Australian government will investigate Hezbollah’s claims.

Mr. Dreyfus confirmed the death of two Australians and warned Australians against associating with Hezbollah.

“Any Australian fighting with Hezbollah is committing a very serious terrorist offence under the criminal code. There are very heavy penalties attached to committing that kind of offence,” he told reporters.

“We are aware of the announcement made by Hezbollah claiming links to one of the Australians killed. We are seeking to establish the facts. However, Hezbollah is a listed terrorist organisation under Australian law.”

The minister has also communicated with Israel and warned Australians not to travel to Lebanon and if already there, to leave as soon as possible.

“For Australians in Lebanon, we urge you to leave while commercial options remain available,” Mr. Dreyfus said in quotes cited by The Australian.

“In the context of the current conflict, Australia has consistently called for civilian lives to be protected, and we have consistently raised our concerns about the risk of this conflict spreading.

“It is why we have been working with countries who have influence in the region to prevent further escalation, and it is why we have been advising Australians not to travel to Lebanon.”

In a post to X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Dreyfus said the Australian Embassy in Beirut is ready to provide consular assistance to the family of two Australians killed in an air strike.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed the death of two Australian citizens in an air strike in southern Lebanon,” he said.

“We call on Hizballah to cease its attacks on Israel. We will continue to work with countries who have influence in the region to prevent further escalation.”

He added there is daily military activity in southern Lebanon, including rocket, missile fire and air strikes.

Mr. Dreyfus said Australia’s travel advice for Lebanon is level four, do not travel, adding that “Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre.”

Funerals were held overnight for the two Australian-Lebanese men and the Lebanese woman killed in the air strikes.

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) claimed on Dec. 27 that Hezbollah fired from within a mosque in southern Lebanon toward Israeli civilians.

The military said  this was not Hezbollah’s first attack involving a holy site, adding, “Places of worship should be sacred, not sacrificed for terrorism.”

“Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon follows the same extremist and dangerous ideology as Hamas, firing from holy sites in Lebanon and Gaza, and firing at holy sites across Israel,” the IDF said.

Israel-Hamas War to Last ‘Many Months’

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has revealed the war on Hamas is set to last for many months.

Israel chief of staff Herzi Halevi, speaking in a televised statement, revealed there are “no magic solutions” in dismantling a terrorist organisation.

“We will reach Hamas’s leadership too, whether it takes a week or if it takes months,” Mr. Halevi said.

“There are no magic solutions, there are no shortcuts in dismantling a terrorist organization, only determined and persistent fighting.”

White phosphorus fired by the Israeli army to create a smoke screen is seen on the Israel–Lebanon border in northern Israel, on Nov. 12, 2023. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

This follows Hamas killing more than 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7 and capturing 240 hostages. This prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare “We are at war.”

Since then, more than 20,000 Palestinians in Gaza have lost their lives, or about 300 people per day, according to Hamas-controlled Gaza health authorities.

More than 100 of the hostages have now been released, however, an estimated 129 are still being held in Gaza.