In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel conducted a targeted airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, which resulted in the death of Hezbollah’s long-standing leader, Hassan Nasrallah, alongside other senior Hezbollah figures. The operation took place on September 27, 2024, in the Haret Hreik district, a known Hezbollah stronghold in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike was carried out using F-16I fighters from the 119th Squadron, targeting a Hezbollah central command headquarters where Nasrallah and other commanders were meeting. This strike not only killed Nasrallah but also Ali Karki, the Commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front, and several others, significantly impacting the organization’s leadership structure.
This military action has been described by Israeli officials as a necessary measure to protect Israeli civilians from Hezbollah’s aggressive actions, which have included rocket attacks aimed at civilian areas in Israel. The IDF’s Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, commented that this was not the end of their capabilities, hinting at further actions if threats persist.
The death of Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for over three decades, marks a historic turning point, as stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who referred to the strike as “settling the score.” The operation has drawn international attention and reactions, with the U.S. President Joe Biden describing Nasrallah’s elimination as a measure of justice while also calling for a ceasefire. Conversely, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Nasrallah’s death would not go unavenged, announcing five days of mourning and urging Muslims to support Hezbollah.
The strike has led to widespread mourning in Lebanon, with gunfire in the air as a sign of grief and anger among Hezbollah supporters. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that the attack, which leveled several apartment buildings, resulted in multiple casualties, highlighting the civilian toll of this military operation.
This event has raised fears of further escalation in a region already fraught with conflict, as Hezbollah vows to continue its resistance against Israel. This incident adds to the complex tapestry of Middle Eastern geopolitics, where the lines between defense, retaliation, and aggression often blur, potentially leading to broader regional instability.
