Hezbollah has vowed to keep fighting Israel and is prepared to confront any ground operation following the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an air strike. In a televised address, Deputy Chief Naim Qassem announced that a new leader would be appointed “at the earliest opportunity.” He stated that the group is ready for an Israeli ground offensive, despite significant losses among its top commanders in recent bombardments.
Following a day of low-intensity cross-border strikes by Hezbollah after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, Israel shifted its focus to securing its northern border with Lebanon. Israeli strikes have led to hundreds of deaths and forced many to flee, raising concerns about escalating violence in the region.
Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s commitment to confronting Israel in support of Gaza and Palestine, stating that they are ready for a prolonged battle if necessary. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant remarked that the elimination of Nasrallah is just one step in their efforts to ensure the safety of northern communities.
In the latest strikes, a drone attack in central Beirut reportedly killed four people, while the Israeli military confirmed the elimination of Hamas leader Fatah Sharif Abu al-Amine in another operation. As violence continues, Lebanon faces its largest displacement movement in history, with over 200,000 people displaced within the country.
The situation remains tense, with fears of a broader regional conflict growing, as Israel also conducts operations against Houthi forces in Yemen amid escalating hostilities.