The leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military confirmed the news on Saturday.
What Happened: The Israeli military confirmed the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, in an airstrike on Friday. Hezbollah also confirmed Nasrallah’s death, stating that their long-serving leader “has joined his fellow martyrs.”
According to the report by CBS News, the airstrike targeted Hezbollah’s “central headquarters” in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of the group. Nasrallah had led the group for 30 years and was known for his threats against Israel and the U.S. presence in Lebanon.
Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi stated that Nasrallah’s killing demonstrated Israel’s ability to reach those who threaten its citizens. The strike also resulted in the death of Ali Karki, the Commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front, and other Hezbollah commanders.
The airstrike was part of a series of explosions targeting Hezbollah leaders, who have been firing rockets and drones into Israel for nearly a year. The strike caused significant damage in Beirut, killing at least six people and injuring 91, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Also Read: What A Full-Blown War Between Israel And Iran Could Entail, According To One Report
Israeli officials have stated that the objective of the strike was to create a significant leadership gap within Hezbollah. The scope of Israel’s operation in Lebanon remains unclear, but a ground invasion is a possibility.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut short a visit to the United States to return home following the strikes. The U.S. was not given advance warning of the strikes, according to the Pentagon.
Why It Matters: The death of Nasrallah is a significant blow to Hezbollah, a group that has been a thorn in the side of Israel for decades.
Nasrallah’s leadership was instrumental in the group’s operations and his death could potentially create a power vacuum within the organization.
The strike also sends a clear message about Israel’s military capabilities and its determination to neutralize threats to its citizens. The repercussions of this event could have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.
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This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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