Hizbullah Leader Hassan Nasrallah Reported Killed in Israeli Strikes
Israeli Military Claims Nasrallah's Death
In a significant development, the Israeli military has announced that Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time leader of the Lebanon-based militant group Hizbullah (also known as Hezbollah), has been killed in a series of airstrikes in Beirut. This claim, however, has not been confirmed by Hizbullah officials as of yet.
Details of the Strikes
On September 28, Israeli forces launched a fresh round of strikes against what they identified as Hizbullah targets in southern Beirut and the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon. The attacks targeted the central headquarters of Hizbullah, which is embedded under residential buildings in the heart of the Dahieh neighborhood in Beirut.
The Israeli military described the strike as "precise" and aimed at the militant group's leadership. The operation followed a series of massive bombardments of a Beirut suburb the previous day, which also targeted senior Hizbullah figures.
Casualties and Damage
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that the strikes resulted in at least six fatalities and over 90 injuries. The extent of the destruction is significant, with reports of heavy casualties and widespread damage. Hizbullah-run Al-Manar TV confirmed that at least four buildings were destroyed in the strikes.
Reaction from Hizbullah and Lebanon
Despite the Israeli claims, Hizbullah has not confirmed Nasrallah's death. The group's silence has led to widespread speculation about Nasrallah's whereabouts and condition following the attack.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli aggression, stating that it "proves that the Israeli enemy doesn't care about all the international efforts and calls for a cease-fire".
International Reactions
Iran, a key ally of Hizbullah, has denounced the attack as a "blatant war crime" and pledged continued support for Lebanon and Hizbullah. A senior Iranian official warned that if Israel crosses Iran's red lines, the situation will become serious.
The United States has indicated it was unaware of Israel's assault beforehand and is working to mitigate further escalation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has encouraged Israel to consider a 21-day cease-fire proposal put forth by the U.S., European Union, and Arab nations, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thus far dismissed.
Broader Implications
If confirmed, Nasrallah's death would be a significant blow to Hizbullah and Iran's regional influence. Analysts have compared the potential impact to the U.S. drone killing of General Qassem Soleimani, noting it would constitute one of the heaviest blows to Tehran's regional standing.
The Israeli military's actions are part of a broader strategy to degrade Hizbullah's capabilities, as outlined by Prime Minister Netanyahu in his recent address at the U.N. General Assembly. Netanyahu and Mikati have both returned prematurely from the U.N. gathering due to the escalating situation.
As tensions continue to rise, sirens are blaring in northern Israel due to ongoing missile launches by Hizbullah into the region, highlighting the escalating conflict between Israel and the militant group.