Israel Claims Responsibility for Hezbollah Leader’s Death in Beirut Airstrike

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel has “settled the score” by targeting and killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike in Beirut. This development was confirmed by Netanyahu on Saturday, September 28, 2024, marking the culmination of sustained Israeli military operations in the region.

Speaking in a public statement, Netanyahu asserted, “We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French.” The Prime Minister referred to historical attacks, notably the 1983 bombings in Beirut that claimed the lives of 63 individuals at the U.S. embassy, 241 U.S. marines, and 58 French paratroopers.

The Israeli leader emphasized that as long as Nasrallah was alive, there was a threat of him rebuilding Hezbollah’s capabilities, eroded through recent Israeli operations. “I gave the order—and Nasrallah is no longer with us,” Netanyahu stated, highlighting the military directive taken under his leadership.

Netanyahu described this event as a “historic turning point” in Israel’s struggle against its adversaries. The development comes amidst widespread criticism of Netanyahu’s approach to the ongoing conflict, with many opponents both domestically and internationally scrutinizing his policies after nearly a year of military engagement in the Gaza Strip.

The capture and demise of Nasrallah are seen by Netanyahu as pivotal for achieving strategic objectives, which include ensuring the security of northern Israel and altering the regional power dynamics. “Nasrallah’s elimination is a necessary condition for achieving the goals we set: the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes and the long-term alteration of the balance of power in the region,” he elaborated.

Further, Netanyahu linked the airstrike to efforts aimed at liberating hostages taken by Hamas during an assault earlier in October. According to Netanyahu, the neutralization of Hezbollah’s support could pressurize Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, potentially leading to the return of Israeli captives.

“The more [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar sees that Hezbollah will no longer come to his aid, the greater the chances of returning our captives,” he remarked, reinforcing Israel’s commitment to continue its military initiatives. “We are winning. We are determined to continue striking our enemies, returning our residents to their homes, and bringing back all our hostages. We do not forget them for a moment,” Netanyahu concluded his address.