Netanyahu claims success in striking Hezbollah leadership, urges Lebanon to reclaim peace
- In Reports
- 03:33 PM, Oct 09, 2024
- Myind Staff
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that Israel has eliminated Hashem Safieddine, the man poised to succeed Hezbollah’s former leader, Hassan Nasrallah. This marks a major blow to the militant group’s leadership, which has been under intense Israeli military pressure.
In a statement directed at the Lebanese people, Netanyahu emphasised that Hezbollah has been severely weakened by Israel's recent actions, including the assassination of Nasrallah and his successors. He urged Lebanon to take control of its future and free itself from Hezbollah’s influence, warning that the group would continue to use civilians as shields in its fight against Israel.
“We have weakened Hezbollah significantly, taking out thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah and his replacement,” Netanyahu said. “It’s now your choice. You can take back your country and bring it to a path of peace. If not, Hezbollah will keep using your cities to attack Israel.”
Netanyahu’s comments come as Israel ramps up ground operations in southern Lebanon, aiming to push Hezbollah back from the Israeli border. The Israeli military has deployed a fourth division to the region, expanding its offensive as rockets continue to rain down from Hezbollah-controlled areas. Over 200 rockets were launched into Israel on Tuesday, with several hitting the northern city of Haifa, causing damage but no reported casualties. Israel responded by striking missile launch sites.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that Safieddine’s death would further destabilise Hezbollah's leadership. Safieddine was widely considered the next leader after Nasrallah, who was killed in a late-September Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut. Gallant emphasised that Hezbollah is now leaderless, with no clear figurehead to guide the organisation.
Hezbollah’s position has weakened after weeks of intense Israeli airstrikes, including one that killed Suhail Hussein Husseini, a top figure in charge of the group’s finances and logistics. Despite the losses, the group continues to launch attacks on Israeli targets.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated alongside the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, has already claimed over 1,000 lives in Lebanon and displaced more than a million people. Northern Israel remains on high alert, with frequent air-raid sirens warning of incoming rockets.
Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Qaim Nassem, said the group supports efforts by Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri to negotiate a ceasefire. However, it remains unclear whether Hezbollah will agree to a halt in hostilities without a ceasefire in Gaza, a condition the group has maintained since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
As both sides continue their military campaigns, Netanyahu’s message to the Lebanese people calls for an end to Hezbollah’s influence in the region, aiming to restore peace and security for both Lebanon and Israel.
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