- Hezbollah leader Nasrallah confirmed dead after airstrike
- Iran and allies vow retaliation against Israel
- Israel boosts military readiness, warns of further strikes
Iran has called on Muslims to unite against Israel, following the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike that killed Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Labeling Israel a “rabid dog,” Iran urged support for Hezbollah as the militant group confirmed Nasrallah’s death and vowed to continue its fight against Israel.
Hezbollah’s statement said that their leader had “joined his fellow martyrs” and pledged to persist in their struggle, stating, “The leadership of Hezbollah pledges to continue its jihad against the enemy, supporting Gaza and Palestine, and defending Lebanon and its steadfast people.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded by declaring that “all regional resistance forces” would rally behind Hezbollah. Khamenei also demanded a “strong response” to the Israeli airstrike, escalating tensions in a region already teetering on the edge of conflict.
The Israeli military, meanwhile, boasted about the success of the operation, with an IDF spokesperson stating, “Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world.” In a provocative move, the IDF posted a diagram on Twitter showing Hezbollah’s chain of command, marking each eliminated leader. The tweet read, “We searched up ‘dismantled’ on the internet, and this is the picture that came up.”
As Israel ramps up its military readiness, three reserve battalions were activated to join the two brigades already preparing for potential ground operations near the Lebanese border.
Experts have warned that Nasrallah’s death could spark a severe backlash from Iran and Hezbollah. Dr. Abed El Qadir Kanaaneh, a Hezbollah expert from Tel Aviv University, cautioned that “the gates of hell are opening right now.” Another security expert warned that the escalating conflict might trigger attacks worldwide.
Amid the rising tensions, Ayatollah Khamenei has reportedly been moved to a secure location. In his first remarks since Nasrallah’s death, Khamenei called Israel an “occupier, evil, and suppressor” and urged Muslims to stand by Lebanon and Hezbollah.
Khamenei further condemned the attack, stating, “The massacre of defenseless people in Lebanon once again reveals the ferocity of the Zionist rabid dog and the foolishness of the leaders of this usurping regime.”
Iran has urged Muslims to unite against Israel following the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike that killed Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Describing Israel as a “rabid dog,” Iran called for support for Hezbollah as the group confirmed Nasrallah’s death and vowed to continue its fight against Israel.
In a statement, Hezbollah said their leader had “joined his fellow martyrs” and pledged to continue their struggle, stating, “The leadership of Hezbollah pledges to continue its jihad against the enemy, supporting Gaza and Palestine, and defending Lebanon and its steadfast people.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded by declaring that “all regional resistance forces” would stand with Hezbollah. Khamenei also called for a strong response to the Israeli airstrike, which has heightened tensions in an already volatile region.
The IDF, meanwhile, celebrated the success of the operation, with a spokesperson saying, “Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world.” In a provocative move, the IDF shared a diagram on social media showing Hezbollah’s chain of command, with eliminated leaders marked. The tweet read, “We searched up ‘dismantled’ on the internet, and this is the picture that came up.”
In preparation for potential escalations, Israel has activated three reserve battalions, adding to the two brigades already training near the Lebanese border for a possible ground invasion.
Experts warn that Nasrallah’s death may lead to a severe backlash. Dr. Abed El Qadir Kanaaneh, a Hezbollah expert from Tel Aviv University, said, “The gates of hell are opening right now.” Another security expert warned that the conflict could provoke attacks worldwide.
Amid rising tensions, Khamenei has reportedly been moved to a secure location. In his first statement since Nasrallah’s death, Khamenei urged Muslims to stand by Lebanon and Hezbollah, condemning Israel as an “occupier, evil, and suppressor.”
Iran and Allies Prepare for Retaliation
Iran’s Foreign Minister Nasser Kanani expressed support for Hezbollah on Twitter, stating, “The glorious path of the leader of the resistance, Hassan Nasrallah, will continue, and his sacred goal will be realized in the liberation of Quds (Jerusalem), God willing.”
Iranian sources confirmed that they are in constant communication with Hezbollah and other regional proxy groups to plan the next move after Israel’s announcement of Nasrallah’s death. Reports from Iranian media also revealed that Abbas Nilforoushan, the deputy commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, was killed during the same strikes in Beirut.
Hamas extended condolences to Hezbollah from Gaza, condemning the attack as a “cowardly act of terrorism” and accusing Israel of targeting residential buildings in southern Beirut.
Iraq declared three days of mourning to honor Nasrallah’s death, while France has engaged in talks with Lebanese authorities to help de-escalate the situation.
Nasrallah’s death is considered Israel’s most significant achievement in the ongoing conflict. Over his three decades of leadership, Nasrallah shaped Hezbollah into the force it is today.
In a direct response to Israel’s actions, Khamenei urged Muslims to confront Israel and “assist Hezbollah against the wicked regime” with any means available. Iran, an ally and financial backer of Hezbollah since 1982, has also been blocked by Israel from accessing Lebanon’s airspace, with threats of force should Iranian aircraft attempt to land.
Lebanon’s transport secretary confirmed that he personally intervened to prevent a plane from landing, stating that “the priority is people’s lives.”
Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, emphasized that Nasrallah’s elimination is “not the end of our toolbox,” warning that the IDF will “reach anyone who threatens Israel.” He stated that the army is “at full readiness on all fronts.”
Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani of the IDF cautioned that despite Nasrallah’s death, Hezbollah still has a substantial missile and rocket arsenal capable of simultaneous launches. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari affirmed that the Hezbollah headquarters where Nasrallah was killed was a legitimate military target under international law.
As Hezbollah announced the news, emotions erupted in Beirut, with people in the streets crying, and the region braced for possible escalation. The IDF confirmed that their precise airstrike targeted Hezbollah leaders meeting in Dahiyeh, south of Beirut, sparking concerns the conflict could extend beyond the Middle East, potentially leading to attacks in the UK and the US.
Global Repercussions Feared
Colonel Philip Ingram, a former British military intelligence officer, warned that Iran might retaliate with attacks on US, UK, or allied interests globally. This could include terrorist attacks on US bases in Syria, Jordan, Iraq, or the Red Sea’s commercial shipping lanes. Col. Ingram predicted protests across major cities worldwide and possible rocket strikes into Israel, although direct Iranian military involvement is unlikely.
Nasrallah’s leadership transformed Hezbollah from a militant faction into a political powerhouse in Lebanon. His death, along with key Hezbollah figures such as Ali Karake, commander of the group’s Southern Front, marks a significant loss for the Iran-backed organization, potentially destabilizing Lebanon. Under Nasrallah’s 32-year rule, Hezbollah fought wars against Israel and supported President Bashar Assad in Syria.
Experts suggest Israel is now “softening” Hezbollah’s leadership ahead of a possible ground invasion. Professor Fawaz Gerges, a Middle Eastern expert, highlighted that while Hezbollah has hundreds of leaders who could replace Nasrallah, Israel’s strategy aims to weaken the group’s power structure.
International Fallout and Iran’s Response
In response to Nasrallah’s death, Iran may provide Hezbollah with more weapons or send fighters into Lebanon, according to experts. Iran’s leadership remains determined to continue supporting Hezbollah and confront Israel.
In recent days, the IDF has targeted multiple Hezbollah commanders. The military claimed to have killed Ahmad Muhammad Fahd, a leader within Hamas’s southern Syria network, and Muhammad Ali Ismail, Hezbollah’s missile commander in southern Lebanon, along with his deputy, Hussein Ahmad Ismail.
Meanwhile, thousands of families, including Syrian refugees, have fled Lebanon amid fears of escalating conflict. Nasrallah, once a rarely seen but highly influential figure, drew international attention just last week when he vowed retaliation after a series of explosions rocked Lebanon. Hezbollah blamed Israel, which denied involvement, but Nasrallah’s response—launching rockets toward Israel—marked a serious escalation.
Nasrallah’s final public statement came last Thursday, as he declared the attacks on Lebanon “a declaration of war” and vowed Hezbollah would emerge stronger from the conflict.
“There’s still a long way to go. Hezbollah retains rockets, missiles, and the ability to fire many at once,” stated IDF military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani during an online press briefing. IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari asserted that the Hezbollah headquarters where Nasrallah was killed was a lawful target under international law on Saturday.
Israel remains on high alert for broader conflict, though officials express hope that Nasrallah’s death might lead Hezbollah, backed by Iran, to change its course. In central Beirut, a passerby screamed, “Oh my God,” while women wept after Hezbollah announced the news.
The Israeli military revealed that last night, they conducted a precise airstrike targeting Hezbollah’s leadership meeting at their headquarters in Dahiyeh, south of Beirut. This development has raised concerns that the conflict could spread beyond the Middle East, possibly igniting attacks in the UK and the US.
Colonel Philip Ingram MBE, a former British military intelligence officer, warned that Iran might feel “further embarrassed” by Israel’s successes against Hezbollah. “Iran’s response is something to watch closely,” he said, speculating about potential attacks on Israeli, US, UK, and allied interests across the Middle East and globally.
According to Col. Ingram, Iran could respond with “terrorist attacks against US bases in Syria, Jordan, and Iraq” or by encouraging Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. He added that global protests might surge as a result. Britain and the US continue to operate bases across the Middle East, stretching from Turkey to Oman.
While formal military attacks are unlikely, Col. Ingram noted that limited strikes, such as rockets fired into Israel, could still occur, though Iran would probably avoid provoking a direct Israeli retaliation. He also pointed out the high risk of escalation, which is a dangerous path.
Hassan Nasrallah, in power since February 1992, transformed Hezbollah from a militant group formed during the 1982 Lebanon War into a political party and regional powerhouse. His death would be a severe blow to Hezbollah, potentially destabilizing Lebanon. Under his leadership, Hezbollah fought wars with Israel and intervened in the Syrian conflict, helping President Bashar Assad maintain power.
Rarely seen in public, Nasrallah commanded a cult-like following among his Shia supporters. He held the unique power in Lebanon to wage war or make peace. In the attack, Israeli military sources also reported the deaths of Ali Karki, Commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front, and other senior Hezbollah leaders.
Military experts believe Israel is “softening” Hezbollah in preparation for a ground invasion. Professor Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics stated, “We are witnessing all-out war, which we warned about over the past year.” He further noted that Israel is systematically dismantling Hezbollah’s leadership in preparation for an invasion, although the group has hundreds of leaders capable of replacing Nasrallah. Gerges also warned that Iran might respond by sending weapons or fighters to Hezbollah.
In social media posts, the IDF shared a graphic of senior Hezbollah figures who had been “eliminated” and claimed to have “dismantled” the group. At least six commanders have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah facilities, some allegedly located in civilian areas.
A source close to Hezbollah reported losing contact with Nasrallah since Friday evening. This follows rumors from 2006 when Nasrallah was reportedly killed during the last major war with Israel, only to reemerge unscathed.
Israel has claimed responsibility for a strike that killed Hezbollah’s missile unit commander in southern Lebanon, Muhammad Ali Ismail, and his deputy, Hussein Ahmad Ismail. Additionally, IDF claimed to have eliminated Ahmad Muhammad Fahd, a senior Hamas figure in southern Syria, as he was planning an imminent terror attack.
Families, many of them Syrian refugees, are fleeing Lebanon amidst escalating violence. Nasrallah had recently vowed retaliation for a series of deadly explosions in the country, leading to speculation about further escalation.
As Lebanon grapples with a humanitarian crisis, thousands of people are evacuating southern Beirut suburbs. UNICEF’s deputy representative in Lebanon, Ettie Higgins, described the situation as a “humanitarian catastrophe,” with hospitals overwhelmed and basic services like water severely compromised.
The situation escalates as Israeli airstrikes continue across Lebanon. Hezbollah responded with missile strikes on northern Israeli cities, including Rosh Pina. Although Israel’s Iron Dome system intercepted many projectiles, tensions are high as both sides brace for further conflict.
Israeli officials celebrate Nasrallah’s death, viewing it as a major victory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strike, codenamed “New Order,” during his speech at the UN in New York. This development follows days of heavy bombardment and escalating clashes, with no sign of ceasefire negotiations in sight.
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