Two senior officials confirmed that Israel dropped over 80 bombs in a matter of minutes in an unprecedented strike targeting Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah. While the exact type and weight of the bombs were not fully disclosed, reports indicate that they were large, with some weighing as much as a ton of explosives each. Nasrallah’s body, alongside that of senior Hezbollah military commander Ali Karaki, was identified early on Saturday by Hezbollah members.
Planning for the assassination began earlier in the week, with Israeli intelligence tracking Nasrallah’s location for months. The attack took place in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, known as Dahiya. Israeli forces, led by Squadron 69 of the Israeli Air Force, used F-15 fighter jets equipped with bunker-busting munitions. The mission was dubbed a “unique opportunity” by Israeli military commanders, as Nasrallah and other key Hezbollah leaders were gathered in an underground command center.
This operation, meticulously timed, took place while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in the United States. During his trip, security consultations were continuously held, and intelligence updates were delivered on the situation in Lebanon, contributing to the decision to execute the strike. Netanyahu approved the mission shortly before his speech at the United Nations.
A video released by the Israeli military following the strike shows Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar addressing the pilots, commending them for delivering a “victory show.” The video captured the aftermath of the raid, with plumes of smoke rising from the southern suburbs of Beirut. The bombs leveled multiple buildings, and witnesses reported significant structural damage in the area.
Hezbollah officially confirmed Nasrallah’s death on Saturday, describing him as a “martyr” and vowing continued resistance against Israel. The airstrike has sent shockwaves through the region, with many speculating on the potential ramifications for the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Tensions have dramatically escalated, and many in Lebanon are bracing for Hezbollah’s retaliatory response.
This marks a turning point in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, as Nasrallah was not only the leader of the organization but also a symbol of its resistance against Israel. The assassination of such a high-profile figure is expected to have far-reaching consequences in the region.