Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Tuesday that Hezbollah’s intended replacement of its former leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed late last month, has also been 'taken out.' Netanyahu emphasized that Hezbollah is currently weaker than it has been in many years, attributing this to the degradation of Hezbollah’s capabilities and the elimination of key terrorist figures.
Netanyahu accused Iran of exerting control over Lebanon to further its own interests, turning the country into a stockpile of weapons and ammunition for Hezbollah, which he described as an Iranian military base on Israel’s border. He urged the people of Lebanon to take back their country and free it from Hezbollah’s influence to pave the way for peace and prosperity.
The Israeli forces have expanded their incursion into Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah strongholds and dismantling weapons depots and tunnel routes near the border. The IDF has conducted a limited and targeted operation, resulting in the elimination of hundreds of terrorists, including Hashem Safieddine, a top Hezbollah leader who was likely to succeed Nasrallah.
Concerns are rising over the escalating conflict, with Beirut experiencing an influx of internally displaced people seeking refuge from the violence. Beirut mayor Abdallah Darwich called for a cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel, warning of the increasing danger faced by the city’s residents.
The conflict has led to significant displacement in Lebanon, with over 1.2 million people forced to flee their homes. The death toll continues to rise, with casualties reported on both sides of the conflict. The situation remains volatile, with uncertainty surrounding the next steps in the ongoing conflict.