Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, marking a significant blow to the group as Israeli attacks continue to escalate. The Israeli military confirmed the death, along with that of Ali Karki, Hezbollah’s southern front commander, and several other leaders, following a massive strike that devastated six apartment buildings in the Dahiyeh district.
In an announcement on social media, Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani stated, “Hassan Nasrallah is dead,” confirming the high-profile target’s death on Saturday. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the airstrike left 91 people injured.
Hezbollah later issued a statement acknowledging Nasrallah’s death, vowing to continue their fight against Israel in solidarity with Gaza and Palestine. “Most of the senior leaders of Hezbollah have been eliminated,” Shoshani added.
Nasrallah, 64, led Hezbollah for over three decades, establishing it as a major force in Lebanon and the region. His leadership was marked by conflict with Israel and his pivotal role in expanding Iran’s influence in the Middle East. Nasrallah’s death poses a significant challenge for Hezbollah, and analysts believe it will be difficult for the organization to replace his charismatic leadership.
In response to the news, Israel raised its alert levels and reiterated its commitment to continue targeting Hezbollah, as the group still possesses thousands of rockets. Israel’s Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, issued a clear warning: “Anyone who threatens the citizens of Israel – we will know how to reach them.”
Nasrallah’s death follows weeks of intensifying Israeli airstrikes and comes as Hezbollah faces unprecedented challenges, including internal attacks on its members. His assassination raises questions about how Hezbollah, as well as Iran, will respond in the coming days. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has already expressed defiance, claiming that Hezbollah remains strong and urging Muslims worldwide to stand with the group against Israel.
The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of over 720 people in Lebanon since Monday, with over 211,000 displaced, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry and the United Nations. As Israel continues its military campaign, Lebanon braces for further uncertainty and upheaval following Nasrallah’s death.