Israel has intensified its military campaign against Hezbollah, launching fresh attacks in Lebanon after the death of the Iran-backed group’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Nasrallah was killed in an airstrike in Beirut on Friday, marking a significant blow to Hezbollah’s command structure amid nearly a year of cross-border tensions.
The death of Nasrallah has prompted Hezbollah to retaliate, with the group firing rockets into Israeli territory, while Iranian officials have vowed to avenge his death. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is reportedly discussing the potential for an expanded offensive, raising fears that the conflict could escalate further and potentially involve Iran and the United States.
Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for over three decades, transformed the group into a formidable political and military force in Lebanon and a key player in Iran’s regional influence. His body was recovered from the airstrike site, and Hezbollah has yet to announce the date of his funeral, prompting widespread mourning among supporters and Lebanese citizens who credited him with empowering the nation.
The ongoing violence between Israel and Hezbollah is part of a broader conflict that has intensified since the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. Israel’s objective is to secure its northern border and allow displaced residents to return home, but the operations have inflicted heavy civilian casualties in Lebanon. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, over 1,000 people have died, and around 6,000 have been injured, with approximately one million people—one-fifth of the population—displaced.
As the conflict escalates, reports of humanitarian distress emerge, with families seeking refuge in makeshift shelters across Beirut. Francoise Azori, a local resident, expressed defiance, stating, “You won’t be able to destroy us… this is our country, and we’re staying.”
The Israeli military has conducted numerous airstrikes, targeting launchers and weapons stores associated with Hezbollah. Drones have been seen flying over various parts of Lebanon, while Israel claims to have intercepted projectiles aimed at its territory.
Hezbollah’s recent difficulties began with unexplained detonations of their communication devices, leading to significant casualties within their ranks. The group has confirmed the deaths of several senior commanders, further straining its leadership.
The prospect of a wider conflict looms, with Israel mobilizing reserve brigades and preparing for possible ground operations. Hezbollah has declared that hostilities will cease only when Israel’s actions in Gaza come to an end.
International reactions have varied; U.S. President Joe Biden called for a ceasefire while also acknowledging the killing of Nasrallah as a form of justice. Meanwhile, Iranian officials condemned the action as unjustified and threatening to Israel’s existence.
As diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire stall, the situation remains volatile, with growing concerns about a potential regional war involving multiple actors, including Iran, Lebanon, and the United States.
