Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces have successfully targeted key Hezbollah figures, including the group's long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah and his potential successors.
In a video message addressed to the people of Lebanon, Netanyahu claimed that Israel had eliminated Nasrallah's replacement and the next in line, signaling a significant blow to Hezbollah's leadership structure. Without naming these individuals directly, Netanyahu emphasized that this action had severely weakened Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran, which he accused of turning Lebanon into an "Iranian military base" on Israel's border.
The prime minister's statement comes amid ongoing military operations by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Lebanon, aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's military capabilities. The IDF has intensified its incursions into Lebanese territory, focusing on Hezbollah strongholds, weapons caches, and tunnel networks used by the group's elite forces. These operations have already resulted in hundreds of Hezbollah militants being killed, according to Israeli defense officials.
Netanyahu's declaration follows a broader campaign against Hezbollah, which began after the group launched rocket attacks into Israel last month in solidarity with Hamas, following their offensive from Gaza. Israel's military response has been forceful, with thousands of Israeli civilians in the north forced to evacuate their homes due to the escalating conflict. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also noted that Nasrallah's likely successor, Hashem Safieddine, has probably been "eliminated" in recent Israeli strikes, further destabilizing the leadership of the Iran-backed group.
In his message, Netanyahu urged the people of Lebanon to reclaim their country from Hezbollah's control, which he claims is leading Lebanon toward ruin. "You, the Lebanese people, stand at a significant crossroads. It is your choice," Netanyahu said, calling on them to take advantage of this moment to steer their nation back to peace and prosperity. He warned that failure to act against Hezbollah's influence would result in Lebanon being dragged into a prolonged conflict that could devastate the country even further.
Lebanon has already seen widespread displacement, with over 1.2 million people fleeing their homes since the escalation of violence began. Many have taken refuge in Beirut or crossed into neighboring Syria, creating a growing humanitarian crisis. Beirut's mayor, Abdallah Darwich, voiced his concern over the deteriorating situation, stating that the city had reached the "limit of its tolerance" under the relentless Israeli bombardment.
Netanyahu's remarks also highlighted Hezbollah's alliance with Iran, accusing Tehran of using Lebanon as a proxy to advance its regional ambitions. He argued that Iran's grip on Hezbollah has turned Lebanon into a stockpile of arms and a staging ground for attacks against Israel. As the conflict escalates, the potential for broader regional instability grows, with the situation drawing comparisons to the devastation seen in Gaza.
While Israeli forces continue their military operations, Hezbollah's deputy leader has signaled a possible openness to a ceasefire, provided the terms do not involve the situation in Gaza. Despite these signals, Netanyahu gave no clear indication of what conditions might prompt Israel to scale back its military actions, instead reaffirming the nation's right to defend itself against what he described as a direct threat from Hezbollah.
