ALBAWABA - The killing of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah during Friday night bombings on the organization's central leadership in the southern suburbs of Beirut has been formally verified by the Israeli military.
Hezbollah's commander on the southern front, Ali Karaki, was also killed in the airstrikes, along with a number of other top figures, according to Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee, who made the announcement on X (previously Twitter).
Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said in his initial remarks after the operation that the mission had been planned for a while and was carried out at the ideal time. "This is just the beginning," Halevi said. "Anyone who threatens Israeli citizens will be found, no matter where they are."
The New York Times was already informed by Israeli sources that the first evaluations by intelligence services clearly suggest that Nasrallah was killed in the assault.
According to a high-ranking officer, the operation was intended to weaken Hezbollah by ousting its leadership. He said that should the operation be successful, Israel could be able to avoid launching a full-scale ground invasion of Lebanon.
The person went on to say that Nasrallah's passing will severely damage Hezbollah's military and political organization and would perhaps derail any further preparations for violence organized with Iran.
As for what will happen to its leader, Hezbollah has not yet issued an official statement.
