The Middle East conflict continues to escalate, with Israeli airstrikes intensifying in Lebanon. On Sunday, September 29, 2024, Israeli officials announced the elimination of around 30 top Hezbollah leaders over the past several weeks, including the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was reportedly killed in a Friday airstrike in Beirut. This marks a significant development in Israel’s broader regional campaign.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported that Israeli airstrikes on Sunday led to the deaths of 105 people, while nearly 360 others were injured. These strikes targeted areas in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, Baalbek-Hermel, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, known as Dahieh.
Amid these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed former political rival Gideon Sa’ar to join his cabinet. Sa’ar, once a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party before forming the New Hope party, will now play a crucial role in Israel’s Security Cabinet as the conflict continues.
Israel also extended its operations beyond Lebanon, striking military targets in Yemen. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the large-scale air assault on Houthi positions, citing recent attacks and blaming Iranian support for fueling the Houthi offensive.
On the ground in Lebanon, dozens of Hezbollah fighters were killed in Israeli strikes, with 21 people dying in eastern Lebanon and 24 more killed near Ain al-Delb, south of Beirut. IDF officials declared that Hezbollah’s missile capabilities had been significantly degraded but acknowledged the group still poses a threat.
Israel’s decision to target Nasrallah stemmed from his refusal to separate Hezbollah’s actions in Lebanon from the ongoing war in Gaza. His death, Israeli officials said, was a “wake-up call” for the Arab world. Nasrallah’s successor is now expected to consider diplomatic solutions, though Israeli leaders have made it clear that they have other means to achieve their objectives if diplomacy fails.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah confirmed the death of Nabil Qaouk, one of its top security commanders, in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Qaouk’s close ties to Hezbollah leadership and involvement in recent attacks on Israel made him a high-profile target.
The conflict’s repercussions continue to unfold, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowing retaliation for Nasrallah’s assassination, and Israel preparing for any potential escalation from Iran.
