Israel's recent assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has sent shockwaves through the Iran-backed group, pushing them further into secrecy and mourning. The absence of a named successor and the delay in holding a public funeral have raised questions and speculation.
Islamic norms dictate that the deceased should be buried promptly, typically within 24 hours, especially if they were killed by an enemy state. However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding Nasrallah's burial, with a source close to Hezbollah denying any decision on the time and place.
Hezbollah's usual practice of engaging with the community through public gatherings and Nasrallah's impassioned speeches has been notably absent since the assassination. This shift towards secrecy is further highlighted by the lack of a clear successor.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, paid tribute to Nasrallah during Friday prayers, a rare occurrence where he led the prayers. Despite this, there has been no public commemoration in Lebanon, likely due to security concerns arising from Israel's intense bombing campaign.
Israel's airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah's command and control centers, resulting in civilian casualties and mass displacement. The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll on Shia-majority areas, making it unsafe to hold public events such as funerals.
Unlike the 2006 war with Israel, where Nasrallah frequently addressed the public through televised speeches, the current leadership is operating covertly. Israeli infiltration into Hezbollah's ranks has forced the group to adopt a more clandestine approach to its operations.
The evolving dynamics of this conflict underscore the challenges faced by Hezbollah in navigating a war characterized by heightened secrecy and intensified military actions.
