Israeli airstrikes in Beirut have killed Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, delivering a significant setback to the Iran-backed group. Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for over three decades, was killed in a targeted strike on Friday, as confirmed by both the Israeli military and Hezbollah.
The airstrike hit Hezbollah’s central command headquarters located in the southern suburbs of Beirut, an area under firm Hezbollah control. The death of Nasrallah, a key figure in Iran’s influence across the Arab world, has dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah’s operations as they navigate a rising wave of Israeli military action.
Israeli Statement and Global Reactions
The Israeli military described the strike as part of its ongoing effort to neutralize Hezbollah’s leadership, which they accuse of orchestrating attacks against Israeli civilians. Israel also reported the death of another senior Hezbollah leader, Ali Karaki, and several high-ranking commanders.
U.S. President Joe Biden hailed Nasrallah’s death as "justice for the many victims" of Hezbollah’s actions, particularly Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese. He reiterated the U.S.'s unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense. Meanwhile, Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer, vowed revenge for Nasrallah's killing. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised retaliation, asserting that the group's struggle against Israel would continue.
Among other casualties of the Israeli strikes was Abbas Nilforoushan, a senior commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guards, killed during the Friday attack, according to Iranian state media.
Hezbollah’s Response
Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death but did not immediately disclose details of succession plans. Long considered a possible successor, Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah official, has yet to be named as Nasrallah's replacement.
In a statement, Hezbollah vowed to continue its battle against Israel, pledging to stand with Gaza and Palestine and defend Lebanon. The group has been involved in a broader conflict with Israel since last year, in solidarity with Hamas following the latter’s deadly attacks on southern Israel in October 2023.
Airstrikes on Hezbollah positions continued into Saturday, with live footage from Beirut showing large plumes of smoke billowing over the city. Meanwhile, Israeli air defenses intercepted missiles fired from Yemen, with air raid sirens sounding in Tel Aviv.
Nasrallah’s death has intensified fears of a broader regional war. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant called the Hezbollah leader "a murderer of thousands," stressing that Israel’s fight is not with the Lebanese people but with Hezbollah’s militant leadership. Hezbollah's continuous rocket fire from southern Lebanon into Israel has further heightened tensions.
As Lebanon faces mounting destruction, Prime Minister Najib Mikati declared three days of mourning for Nasrallah, while calling for calm amid fears of further violence. Russia, in a statement, condemned the Israeli action and called for an immediate halt to hostilities in Lebanon.
With Hezbollah supporters grieving and Israel pressing its military campaign, the Middle East stands on the brink of a dangerous escalation.
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