Israel's military confirmed on Friday that its airstrikes targeted central Beirut, resulting in the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the longstanding leader of the Hezbollah militant group. This marked a significant escalation in the conflict that has spread throughout the Middle East since last October. In response, Hezbollah acknowledged Nasrallah's death early Saturday, mourning him and others lost in what they described as a "treacherous Zionist raid" on Beirut's southern suburb.
The Israeli military took to social media platform X to declare that Nasrallah would "no longer be able to terrorize the world," a statement that led to celebrations in Tel Aviv, highlighted by the sound of loud music throughout the city. Nasrallah was known for his infrequent public appearances over his 32-year leadership of Hezbollah, an organization deemed terrorist by several countries, including the United States.
The airstrikes not only claimed Nasrallah's life but also caused significant destruction in southern Beirut, with multiple residential buildings demolished. Israeli officials quickly attributed these buildings as Hezbollah's headquarters even as rescue operations were underway amidst rising smoke and debris. The Lebanese health ministry later reported six fatalities and over ninety injuries from the attack, cautioning that these figures could increase as rubble clearance continued.
Moreover, Hezbollah announced that their senior military commander for areas adjacent to Israel's border was also killed in these strikes. This suggests a considerable depletion of Hezbollah's command structure due to ongoing Israeli assaults over recent months. These attacks have included exchanges of rockets, artillery shells, tank fire, and airstrikes along the Lebanon-Israel border.
In addition to aerial bombardments targeting Beirut's southern suburbs and other parts of Lebanon on Saturday morning, Israel announced mobilization plans for reserve troops near its border with Lebanon. This move came amidst a barrage of rockets from Hezbollah reaching into northern and central Israel. Preparations for a possible ground invasion into southern Lebanon were hinted at by Israel, which had been calling up reserve forces throughout the week.
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Israel's Chief of General Staff, released a video statement on Saturday asserting that the strategic operation targeting Hezbollah's leadership was just one element of Israel’s comprehensive strategy. He emphasized Israel’s capability and determination to target anyone threatening its citizens.
This series of events underlines a critical juncture in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, indicating potential shifts in regional power dynamics and signaling possible future escalations in military actions across the Middle East.
The Israeli military took to social media platform X to declare that Nasrallah would "no longer be able to terrorize the world," a statement that led to celebrations in Tel Aviv, highlighted by the sound of loud music throughout the city. Nasrallah was known for his infrequent public appearances over his 32-year leadership of Hezbollah, an organization deemed terrorist by several countries, including the United States.
The airstrikes not only claimed Nasrallah's life but also caused significant destruction in southern Beirut, with multiple residential buildings demolished. Israeli officials quickly attributed these buildings as Hezbollah's headquarters even as rescue operations were underway amidst rising smoke and debris. The Lebanese health ministry later reported six fatalities and over ninety injuries from the attack, cautioning that these figures could increase as rubble clearance continued.
Moreover, Hezbollah announced that their senior military commander for areas adjacent to Israel's border was also killed in these strikes. This suggests a considerable depletion of Hezbollah's command structure due to ongoing Israeli assaults over recent months. These attacks have included exchanges of rockets, artillery shells, tank fire, and airstrikes along the Lebanon-Israel border.
In addition to aerial bombardments targeting Beirut's southern suburbs and other parts of Lebanon on Saturday morning, Israel announced mobilization plans for reserve troops near its border with Lebanon. This move came amidst a barrage of rockets from Hezbollah reaching into northern and central Israel. Preparations for a possible ground invasion into southern Lebanon were hinted at by Israel, which had been calling up reserve forces throughout the week.
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Israel's Chief of General Staff, released a video statement on Saturday asserting that the strategic operation targeting Hezbollah's leadership was just one element of Israel’s comprehensive strategy. He emphasized Israel’s capability and determination to target anyone threatening its citizens.
This series of events underlines a critical juncture in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, indicating potential shifts in regional power dynamics and signaling possible future escalations in military actions across the Middle East.
