Hezbollah leader’s potential successor unreachable, source says
· Israeli strike hits Tripoli in north Lebanon, official says
· More nightly raids hit Beirut’s southern suburbs
Who is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah is a powerful political and militant organization based in Lebanon, backed primarily by Iran. Formed in the early 1980s, it emerged as a resistance group against Israeli occupation during the Lebanese Civil War. Over the decades, Hezbollah has grown into a well-organized paramilitary force, exerting significant influence in Lebanese politics while maintaining a formidable military wing. Led by Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah has often been in direct conflict with Israel, engaging in multiple skirmishes along the Israel-Lebanon border, and is considered a key player in regional geopolitics, especially in relation to Iran’s influence in the Middle East.
Israeli Airstrike Targets Nasrallah’s Potential Successor
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah saw a significant development when Israel allegedly targeted Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah leader and potential successor to Hassan Nasrallah. Safieddine has reportedly been out of contact since Friday, following a massive airstrike on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut. According to Lebanese security sources, the airstrike occurred late on Thursday, with Israeli forces aiming at Safieddine, believed to be hiding in an underground bunker. The strikes hit Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut, and have since hampered rescue efforts in the area.
This recent assault is part of Israel’s broader campaign to dismantle Hezbollah’s military leadership. Israel’s military operations have significantly intensified over the past few weeks, with airstrikes targeting Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure. The potential loss of Safieddine, a central figure in the organization, would deal another blow to Hezbollah, following the death of several key leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah himself, in an airstrike on September 27.
Expanding the Conflict: Strikes in Beirut and Tripoli
Israel’s assault on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon has expanded beyond the usual border clashes. On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes hit multiple sites in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including areas near the country’s main airport. This marked the continuation of Israel’s aggressive campaign aimed at weakening Hezbollah’s presence in Lebanon.
In a significant escalation, Israeli forces also struck the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli for the first time in this conflict. Tripoli, a Sunni-majority city, was a target during Israel’s 2006 war with Hezbollah. This time, the strikes reportedly hit a Palestinian refugee camp in the city, killing a member of Hamas, his wife, and two children. Hamas-affiliated media confirmed that the strike killed a leader of its armed wing, identifying him as Saeed Atallah. Israel’s military did not immediately comment on the specific strike in Tripoli, though they later confirmed killing two Hamas members in Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s Response and Civilian Impact
In retaliation, Hezbollah has continued to fire missiles into northern Israel. The militant group claimed responsibility for missile strikes on an Israeli military-industrial site near Haifa, though details remain unclear. In northern Israel, air raid sirens have been ringing out as rockets from Lebanon have triggered a state of emergency.
Israeli officials, including military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, reported that Israel has killed 440 Hezbollah fighters and destroyed over 2,000 targets since the conflict’s escalation. Despite the growing death toll on both sides, Hezbollah has not released any official figures regarding its casualties.
Unfortunately, the escalation has also exacted a heavy toll on civilians. Lebanese officials report hundreds of civilian deaths and the displacement of over 1.2 million people—nearly a quarter of Lebanon’s population. The humanitarian crisis is deepening as residents flee their homes, particularly in areas affected by the Israeli bombardments.
Broader Regional Implications: The Iran Factor
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is closely intertwined with the broader tensions between Israel and Iran. Iran, a staunch backer of Hezbollah and Hamas, has faced multiple Israeli airstrikes on its Revolutionary Guards Corps commanders this year. In a symbolic show of force, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, though they caused minimal damage. Israel is currently weighing its response to these missile strikes, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterating that Israel has the right to defend itself and retaliate against any attacks on its citizens.
The ongoing violence has led to rising oil prices amid speculation that Israel could target Iranian oil infrastructure as part of its response. The United States, while supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, has urged caution, with President Joe Biden advising Israel to consider alternatives to striking Iran’s oil facilities. The U.S. has also sent its top military general in the region, Army General Michael “Eric” Kurilla, to the Middle East for consultations, indicating that the situation is under close watch by international powers.
The Path Ahead in a Deepening Conflict
The recent Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah leaders like Hashem Safieddine mark a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed group. With the deaths of key Hezbollah figures, Israel’s military campaign is aiming to weaken the group’s military and political standing in Lebanon. However, as the violence spreads and civilians bear the brunt of the escalating conflict, the broader implications for the region, particularly with Iran’s involvement, remain uncertain. As Israel continues its offensive and weighs its options, the potential for further escalation is high, with international actors watching closely for any signs of a broader regional war.
(With inputs from agencies)
