Israel remains on high alert for an escalation of conflict following the death of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, with military officials expressing hopes that his elimination might prompt a shift in the Iran-backed group’s strategy.
Lieut Col Nadav Shoshani stated during a media briefing that while they anticipate changes in Hezbollah’s actions, there is still significant work to undermine the group’s capabilities.
“Hezbollah has conducted attacks against us for over a year, and it is reasonable to expect these to persist,” he remarked.
The military confirmed that Nasrallah was killed in an airstrike targeting Hezbollah’s main headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
In retaliation, Hezbollah has stated it is striking Israeli targets, including Rosh Pina, with missiles aimed at responding to Israeli assaults on Lebanese territories.
Hezbollah has yet to comment on the fate of Nasrallah, who has led the group for over three decades.
His leadership saw Hezbollah transform into a formidable regional force that expanded Iran’s influence throughout the Middle East.
His demise signifies a major setback for both Hezbollah and Iran, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards were instrumental in establishing the group in 1982.
In a statement, an Israeli military spokesperson affirmed that Nasrallah was identified as a terrorist leader and would no longer pose a threat.
Additionally, another prominent Hezbollah figure — Ali Karaki — was reportedly killed in the same operation.
Friday’s surgical strike on Hezbollah’s command structure, followed by continued airstrikes, has escalated tensions and raised fears of broader regional conflict.
Israeli officials stated that these actions targeted Hezbollah’s underground facilities while they were allegedly planning terrorist activities against Israel.
The recent attack was coupled with new airstrikes across regions of Lebanon, signaling an intensification of military operations.
Meanwhile, heightened security has been imposed around Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with reports indicating ongoing coordination with Hezbollah regarding future actions in light of Nasrallah’s death.
Lebanese health authorities have reported that at least six individuals were killed in the airstrike that targeted Nasrallah, with expectations of a rising casualty count as rescue operations continue.
The strikes occurred shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address at the United Nations General Assembly, where he vowed to continue military efforts against Hezbollah, dismissing calls for a ceasefire.
Israel has conducted extensive bombardments in southern Lebanon over the past week, shifting focus from its ongoing campaign against Hamas in Gaza. In response, Hezbollah has intensified rocket attacks targeting Israeli cities.
Heightened concerns about the potential for escalating conflict have been echoed by regional observers, with the Iranian embassy in Beirut condemning the airstrikes as a critical escalation.
The Pentagon confirmed that there was “no advance warning” about the recent Israeli operations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the precarious situation, warning of significant risks amid recent escalations.
As military and financial support for Israel has increased since the Gaza conflict began last year, tensions remain high. A Senior Israeli official noted that Iran’s response to the latest strike may depend on the cooperation between the US and Israel to avert a wider regional war.
Reports indicate that over 700 individuals have lost their lives, including many civilians, due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes since the latest round of conflict began. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes in southern and northeastern Lebanon.
Israeli military spokespersons have indicated potential targeting of flights arriving in Beirut, asserting that Israel will prevent the city from being utilized for arms transfers.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati remarked that the recent developments reflect Israel’s unwillingness to pursue a truce, amid the political influence Hezbollah exerts in the Lebanese government.
Netanyahu’s overarching goal in this offensive against Hezbollah is to ensure the safe return of residents displaced by ongoing hostilities.
Hezbollah has maintained that it will continue its fight until a ceasefire is established in Gaza, a resolution that seems increasingly elusive amid stalled negotiations.
