Israel Claims Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah Killed in Airstrike

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that they have killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a targeted airstrike on the group’s headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the IDF stated, “Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world.” The airstrike reportedly took place on Friday in Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold, and utilized bunker-busting munitions, resulting in significant destruction in the area, as shown in released video footage.

The IDF also confirmed the deaths of two senior Hezbollah officials: Muhammad Ismail, commander of Hezbollah’s Missile Unit in southern Lebanon, and his deputy, Hussein Ahmad Ismail. Both were involved in recent missile attacks against Israel, including a surface-to-surface missile aimed at central Israel on Wednesday.

While Nasrallah’s death has yet to be independently verified, a U.S. official informed ABC News that he was the target of the airstrike and was in Beirut at that time.

In their statement on X, the IDF highlighted the elimination of Muhammad Ismail and his deputy, emphasizing their roles in directing terrorist operations against Israel.

This airstrike forms part of Israel’s ongoing military response to recent Hezbollah and Hamas attacks, following the assault by Palestinian militants on an Israeli music festival on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 100 fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the UN shortly before the airstrike, urged Lebanon not to allow Hezbollah to lead the country into conflict. He declared, “We’re not at war with you. We’re at war with Hezbollah, which has hijacked your country and threatens to destroy ours,” emphasizing Israel’s commitment to defending itself.

Netanyahu also issued a warning to Iran regarding support for attacks on Israel, stating, “If you strike us, we will strike you. There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach.”

The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed two fatalities and 70 injuries from the airstrike, but it remains uncertain whether Nasrallah was among the casualties. The IDF has escalated efforts to eliminate Hezbollah and Hamas leaders in response to the October attacks, increasing regional tensions.