In just over a week, Israeli airstrikes have killed seven key officials of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah terrorist group. Among the dead is 64-year-old Hezbollah leader and founder Hassan Nasrallah. His assassination marks a major victory for Israel.
Conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah flared up nearly a year ago. On October 7, another terrorist group—Hamas—attacked Israel. While Israel fought Hamas to the east, a day later Hezbollah struck from the north. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire ever since. The conflict escalated last month when Hezbollah pagers and other digital devices detonated. The explosions killed dozens of people and injured thousands more. Israel is widely believed to be behind the assault.
The strikes and resulting losses of multiple Hezbollah leaders are a major blow to the terrorist group’s operations.
Israel has targeted Hassan Nasrallah for decades. Nasrallah was responsible for many deadly attacks on Israel and other Jewish targets. Born to a poor family in 1960, Nasrallah helped found Hezbollah in 1982. The group joined forces with other terrorist organizations in the region under his watch.
“He wasn’t another terrorist. He was the terrorist,” says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Many people in northern Israel have been displaced by violence. Netanyahu hopes Nasrallah’s death will help them return home. He also hopes it will pressure Hezbollah to release Israeli hostages. Meanwhile, Hezbollah officials have vowed to continue their “holy war” against Israel.
People fired guns into the air in Lebanon to mourn Nasrallah’s death. The leader’s grip on the minds of his followers was evident as they grieved.
“Wish it was our kids, not you, Sayyid!” cried one woman while holding her baby. “Sayyid” is a title for Nasrallah. It means “Master” in Arabic. The term signifies the Shiite cleric’s lineage dated back to the Prophet Muhammed, the founder of Islam.
This week, Israel’s military launched a ground attack on southern Lebanon. Israeli officials describe the assault as limited and focused. A number in Lebanon fear a larger invasion.
Israel’s strikes on Hezbollah have removed a wicked leader from power. But many innocent civilians also live in Lebanon. Israel’s officials have ordered evacuations for southern Lebanon. But many lives have already been lost. Pray that God would bring the cruel to justice and protect the innocent.
When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. — Proverbs 29:2
