Israel announced that it had killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an attack in southern Beirut. Nasrallah, who had led the group for three decades, was known for his powerful influence in the region. Under his leadership, Hezbollah had become a significant paramilitary force in the Middle East and a political player in Lebanon. The group had engaged in conflicts against Israel and supported other Iran-backed proxies in the region. Nasrallah had called for the liberation of Jerusalem and had praised attacks on Israel.
Nasrallah was born in Beirut in 1960 and had joined the Amal Movement before becoming a founding member of Hezbollah in 1982. He rose to become the group’s secretary-general after his predecessor was killed by Israeli forces. Nasrallah had led Hezbollah in conflicts with Israel, including the 2006 war that ended in a ceasefire.
The attack on Nasrallah led to concerns about escalating tensions in the region, with fears of retaliatory strikes from Hezbollah. Israel’s actions were seen as a proactive defense strategy, while Washington and other allies pushed for a cease-fire to prevent further conflict. The Biden administration, which had no prior knowledge of the attack, was expected to try to contain the situation by addressing the military capabilities of Hezbollah and Hamas.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah raised concerns about a potential ground operation in Lebanon and the risk of a wider war in the Middle East. Despite calls for de-escalation, the situation remained tense, with both sides prepared for further hostilities.
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