Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed on Friday in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel, and several Arab League nations.
Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for over thirty years, was instrumental in transforming the group into one of the most powerful paramilitary organizations in the Middle East. According to the Associated Press, his death not only impacts the organization but also carries significant ramifications for the region and its alliances, especially with Iran.
A Controversial Leader
Since its inception, Hezbollah has been accused of carrying out numerous attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets, leading to its designation as a terrorist organization by the European Union. The elimination of Nasrallah, following an airstrike on a building identified as Hezbollah's headquarters, was reportedly executed by Israel's secret service, Mossad. This audacious operation involved the explosion of numerous communication devices, resulting in several fatalities and thousands of injuries among Hezbollah militants and high-ranking officials.
Hassan Nasrallah, aged 64, took the helm of Hezbollah in 1992 after the death of his predecessor, Sayyed Abbas Musawi. Under his leadership, Hezbollah waged wars against Israel and actively participated in the Syrian conflict, supporting dictator Bashar al-Assad and strengthening the Iran-backed "Axis of Resistance." Nasrallah was pivotal in forging alliances with Shiite religious leaders and other militant groups like Hamas, positioning himself as a formidable adversary to Israel. According to Israel's official account on X (formerly Twitter), the airstrike also killed Ali Karki, Hezbollah's southern front commander, along with other high-ranking members of the terrorist organization.
The Airstrike and Regional Impact
Born into a poor Shiite family in the suburbs of Beirut, Nasrallah grew up amidst Lebanon's turmoil. He joined the Amal Movement and later co-founded Hezbollah, a group created by Iran in 1982 to fight against Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon. Since assuming leadership, Nasrallah transformed Hezbollah into a significant political and military force, idolized by followers in Lebanon and respected across the Arab and Islamic worlds.
The Israeli airstrike that killed Nasrallah took place in the southern Beirut suburb of Haret Hreik, where six buildings were destroyed in the largest attack on the Lebanese capital in nearly a year of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. Although Israel has not officially confirmed that Nasrallah was the target, three major Israeli television channels reported that his death resulted from the strikes in southern Beirut's suburbs. The operation also left dozens dead and injured and severely impacted Hezbollah's headquarters in the city.
Future of Hezbollah and Regional Dynamics
Nasrallah's death raises serious questions about Hezbollah's future and its role in the region. His leadership was crucial in the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon in 2000 and in the 34-day war with Israel in 2006, which cemented his reputation as one of Israel's most formidable enemies. Without his central figure, Hezbollah's leadership could become fragmented, potentially leading to internal power struggles.
Iran, Hezbollah's main ally and sponsor, has vehemently condemned the attack and vowed an appropriate response. The relationship between Hezbollah and Iran has been essential for advancing Iranian interests in the Middle East, and Nasrallah's loss is a significant blow to the "Axis of Resistance." Following the recent death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Nasrallah's elimination could harden stances, with Iran seeking to reaffirm its influence and ensure that Hezbollah remains a threat to Israel.
Analysts warn that Nasrallah's assassination could further escalate the conflict, with Hezbollah potentially increasing its attacks on Israel's northern border. Additionally, the absence of a clear successor could create instability within the group, impacting the broader region.