The leader of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has denounced Israel’s killing of Hamas Deputy Chief Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut as a “major, dangerous crime.” Nasrallah referred to the act as a “flagrant Israeli aggression.”
The Israeli strike occurred in Dahiyeh, a stronghold of Hezbollah in southern Beirut. This action sent a clear message from Israel that even Hezbollah’s strongholds are within their reach.
This incident marked the end of a period of relative calm in Beirut, following nearly three months of daily fire exchanges along the border between Hezbollah and the Israeli military.
In response to the attack, Hezbollah launched rockets across the Israeli border on October 8, in support of Hamas. This was done to prevent a larger Israeli bombing campaign in Lebanon.
Nasrallah warned Israel that there would be a severe and unrestricted response if they initiated a war on Lebanon. He emphasized that there would be “no ceilings” and “no rules” in Hezbollah’s retaliation.
The conflict has resulted in the loss of over 120 Hezbollah fighters, nearly two dozen civilians, and at least nine Israeli soldiers. These numbers highlight the significant human cost of the ongoing Israeli bombardment and clashes.
Saleh al-Arouri played a crucial role in renewing ties between Hamas and Hezbollah, despite their differing positions in the Syrian conflict. His assassination is a significant development.
Nasrallah also commemorated the fourth anniversary of Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani’s death in a U.S. drone strike. He linked recent explosions in Iran to deliberate attacks.
Since October 7, Nasrallah has delivered three major speeches, including one warning the U.S. about the need to prevent regional conflict by halting Israeli attacks on Gaza.
In his second speech, Nasrallah reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to maintaining an active front against Israel. He also announced plans for another speech on January 5 to reveal more details about Hezbollah’s operations in southern Lebanon.
Established in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Hezbollah has been at the forefront of a Tehran-backed alliance against Israel and the United States. The group’s history includes a month-long war with Israel in 2006.
Nasrallah stated that Hezbollah’s swift action on October 8 and subsequent cross-border shelling prevented a broader bombing campaign by Israel in Lebanon. He claimed this demonstrated the collapse of Israel’s ability to deter such attacks.
Hezbollah’s actions and Nasrallah’s speeches have a significant impact on the regional politics of the Middle East, particularly in the ongoing conflict between Israel and various Palestinian factions. The group’s influence extends beyond Lebanon’s borders, affecting wider geopolitical dynamics.
