Hezbollah Vows to Continue Fight Against Israel Following Nasrallah’s Death

Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Kassem, has pledged to continue the group’s fight against Israel following the death of their leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several top commanders in recent Israeli strikes. In his first televised address since Nasrallah’s death, Kassem stated that Hezbollah is prepared for a prolonged conflict, ready to defend Lebanon should Israel launch a ground invasion.

Kassem, now acting leader until a new one is appointed, emphasized that despite the loss of key figures, Hezbollah’s military capabilities remain intact, with new commanders stepping in to lead. He underscored the group’s readiness to continue its resistance, stating, “Israel hasn’t weakened our strength.”

Israeli airstrikes have killed Nasrallah and six other high-ranking Hezbollah commanders in recent days, while also targeting thousands of suspected militant sites across Lebanon. Over 1,000 Lebanese civilians, including women and children, have been killed, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, with nearly a million displaced by the ongoing violence.

Hezbollah has escalated its attacks, launching hundreds of rockets daily, although most have been intercepted by Israeli defenses or landed in uninhabited areas. Israel, meanwhile, has responded with intense airstrikes, including a recent strike that killed three Palestinian militants in central Beirut.

Despite its significant losses, Hezbollah has shown restraint in response to certain Israeli attacks, likely to avoid further escalation that could provoke an Israeli ground invasion. However, the group’s operational capacity may be affected, as Israeli intelligence appears to have penetrated its upper ranks.

Hezbollah began its assault on northern Israel following the October 7 attack by Hamas from Gaza, with both groups receiving backing from Iran. Hezbollah has vowed to continue its support for Palestinians until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.

The U.S. and its allies have called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the idea, focusing on what he describes as military gains against Hezbollah, a long-standing adversary of Israel.

Hezbollah, known for its battle-hardened fighters and long-range missiles, remains a formidable force in the region. However, it now faces an unprecedented challenge in rebuilding its leadership structure after the recent Israeli strikes that severely disrupted its command hierarchy.