In a major escalation of violence in the Middle East, Israel has claimed responsibility for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Nasrallah, who had led the Iran-backed militant group for over three decades, was killed in a targeted airstrike on Friday.
The airstrike reportedly took place in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, where Hezbollah’s headquarters is located. Israeli fighter jets carried out the operation, which targeted several high-ranking Hezbollah officials, including Ali Karki, the commander of Hezbollah’s southern front.
In an official statement on Saturday, Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani confirmed Nasrallah’s death. “Hassan Nasrallah is dead,” Shoshani announced via social media. The IDF emphasized that the strike was part of its broader campaign to neutralize threats from Hezbollah.
The air raids were described as unprecedented, not only because of the precision in targeting Hezbollah’s leadership but also due to the wide-scale destruction in Beirut. Multiple residential apartment buildings were hit during the attack, leading to civilian casualties, including children. Since Monday, more than 700 people have been reported killed across Lebanon as a result of Israeli bombing campaigns.
Hassan Nasrallah was a significant figure in the Middle East, leading Hezbollah since 1992. Under his leadership, Hezbollah grew to become one of the most powerful non-state military actors in the region. Supported by Iran, the group wielded substantial political and military influence, particularly in Lebanon.
Nasrallah’s death, if confirmed, would mark a critical turning point in the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. For years, Nasrallah was considered one of Israel’s top enemies. He was known for his fiery speeches and his steadfast opposition to Israel’s actions in the region.
Hezbollah, which emerged in the 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War, has always had strong ties to Iran. Over the years, it has built a reputation as a well-organized militia, often considered more powerful than Lebanon’s own military. Its involvement in conflicts such as the Syrian Civil War further solidified its position as a major player in the region.
The reported death of Nasrallah has sent shockwaves through Lebanon. While Hezbollah has yet to confirm the news, there is growing unease among its supporters. Zeina Khodr, reporting from Beirut, described the fear and uncertainty within Hezbollah’s ranks. “His supporters are worried,” Khodr said, adding that many view Nasrallah as more than just a military leader. He is seen as a father figure and a religious guide.
Nasrallah had long been aware that he was a target. His last public address was prerecorded, signaling that he knew Israeli forces were hunting him. If confirmed, his death would have far-reaching consequences for both Hezbollah and Lebanon. Khodr noted that “this will be a political earthquake in Lebanon.” Hezbollah’s strength lies not only in its military capabilities but also in its political influence, and losing Nasrallah could create a power vacuum.
However, Israeli officials have been clear that their fight against Hezbollah is far from over. “This is not the end of our toolbox,” said Israeli Chief of the General Staff, Herzi Halevi. “The message is simple, anyone who threatens the citizens of Israel – we will know how to reach them.”
The IDF has framed Nasrallah’s killing as part of a broader campaign to dismantle Hezbollah and weaken Iran’s influence in the region. In recent months, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated, with both sides engaging in violent exchanges along the Israel-Lebanon border.
