On Friday, a large-scale Israeli strike in Beirut resulted
in the death of Nasrallah, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah. Given
Nasrallah’s pivotal role in Lebanese politics, regional geopolitics, and
Hezbollah’s position as a central figure in the 'Axis of Resistance,' his
assassination is poised to send shockwaves throughout the Middle East.
Since October 7, 2023, Hezbollah has been exchanging fire
with Israel following Hamas’s armed incursion into Israeli territory. In the
ensuing weeks, Israel has intensified its operations inside Lebanon, launching
a brutal bombing campaign that, as of Monday, has claimed hundreds of lives and
displaced tens of thousands of people. Israeli forces have been systematically
targeting key Hezbollah commanders for months, with Nasrallah’s killing being
the most significant blow to the movement.
While Israel may have secured a tactical victory with
Nasrallah’s assassination, it risks unleashing a cycle of violence that could
spiral out of control. This echoes the assassination of Abbas Musawi,
Nasrallah’s predecessor, by Israel in 1992, which, despite Musawi’s death, only
strengthened Hezbollah. Under Nasrallah’s leadership, the group became one of
the most formidable armed non-state actors in the region, playing a key role in
ending Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon in 2000.
Similarly, Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin was
assassinated by Israel in 2004, yet his organization remains a powerful
political and military force within the Palestinian territories. Israel’s
strategy of targeted killings has repeatedly backfired, as these movements
often emerge more resilient, committed to retaliation.
While Hezbollah may be reeling from this latest loss, the
group remains defiant. In a statement, they vowed to continue “confronting the
enemy.” Iran’s Supreme Leader has also pledged continued support for Hezbollah
and Lebanon, pushing the region into highly volatile territory.
Israel’s actions, including its unrelenting bombing campaign
in Gaza and the targeted killings of Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh
in Tehran, suggest it is seeking a broader confrontation with Iran and its
allies. Moreover, some argue that Israel is attempting to drag the United
States—its staunchest ally—into the conflict.
Israel’s aggressive posture has now brought the world to the
edge of a major war.
