Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning to Iran following the targeted killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike in Beirut on September 29, 2024. Netanyahu described the operation as a necessary step to alter the balance of power in the region, labeling Nasrallah as a 'mass murderer' responsible for countless deaths, including those of Israelis, Americans, and French citizens.
Netanyahu stated, 'There is no place in Iran or the Middle East that the long arm of Israel cannot reach,' emphasizing Israel's resolve to retaliate against any attacks. He also suggested that the death of Nasrallah increases the chances of retrieving hostages taken by Hamas, as the group's leader, Yahya Sinwar, would feel less supported by Hezbollah.
In the aftermath of the airstrike, Israeli forces confirmed they had targeted multiple Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, including rocket launch sites and arms depots. Concurrently, Hezbollah has continued to launch attacks into northern Israel, with reports of rockets hitting areas near Tiberias.
U.S. President Joe Biden characterized Nasrallah's killing as a 'just act' for the victims of his reign of terror, reaffirming U.S. support for Israel's right to self-defense while calling for de-escalation in the Gaza and Lebanon conflicts. In response to the escalating violence, the U.S. has ordered the evacuation of family members of diplomats in Lebanon.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed concerns over the security situation in the Middle East, warning of a potential spiral of violence. Germany, alongside the U.S. and France, has called for a 21-day ceasefire to prevent further escalation.
In Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared five days of national mourning for Nasrallah, while Iranian officials threatened retaliation against Israel and called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting.
The situation remains tense as Hezbollah appears to be waiting for directives from Iran following the loss of its leadership in the recent airstrikes.