Beirut, Lebanon – In a major development that could dramatically reshape the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in a massive Israeli airstrike on Friday. The strike targeted the underground headquarters of the Iran-backed militia in Beirut. On Saturday morning, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, stating that Nasrallah and several other senior commanders were eliminated following an overwhelming bombardment.
Hours after the announcement, Hezbollah also confirmed Nasrallah’s death, signaling a significant blow to its leadership. The organization has reportedly lost nearly 90% of its experienced commanders and leaders due to recent Israeli actions.
The airstrike specifically targeted Hezbollah’s central command in Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut. Israeli aircraft dropped dozens of JDAM bombs, causing devastating explosions. Among those killed was Ali Karaki, commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front, who had survived a previous assassination attempt just days before.
The IDF emphasized that the strike followed years of monitoring Nasrallah, aided by real-time intelligence at the moment of the attack. “We confirmed his death through various intelligence collection methods,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, IDF spokesperson, without revealing further details.
Another Hezbollah Commander also Killed
In a separate announcement, Israel confirmed the death of Hassan Khalil Yassin, head of Hezbollah’s intelligence unit responsible for targeting Israeli interests. He was killed in another airstrike, also in Dahiyeh, marking another significant loss for the group.
Hezbollah’s Response and Future Steps
While the operation is seen as a major tactical victory for Israel, Shoshani warned that Hezbollah’s arsenal remains largely intact, despite a week of relentless Israeli airstrikes. He cautioned that strong retaliation from the group is likely. “This is not a threat that has disappeared. It’s safe to assume that Hezbollah will retaliate,” Shoshani said.
According to our sources from Lebanon, Hezbollah is expected to begin the process of selecting new leaders starting tomorrow, continuing its fight against Israel. Nasrallah’s death could mark a turning point in the conflict, which has lasted nearly a year. It may push Hezbollah to launch even more aggressive attacks, or it could force the group to reconsider its strategy as it reels from significant losses.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Israeli military remains on high alert, prepared for potential Hezbollah counterattacks, including the possibility of a ground invasion into Lebanon.
