The leader of Hezbollah, Hasan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli attack, had led the organization for over thirty years, organizing and inspiring the fight against Israel. Israel declared the leader’s death as a great victory, but experts fear a worsening of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and Hezbollah. Under the shadow of Israel’s claims of victory, military experts suggest that a new leader can step in and the group will maintain its strength with its vast military arsenal. So, what will happen next? How will Iran and Hezbollah retaliate against Israel? Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, was killed in a devastating attack on Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut by Israel.
Targeting Nasrallah exposed Israel’s lack of intention to reach a real agreement despite participating in ceasefire talks for a long time. Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death in a statement on Saturday, stating that they will continue their military operations in support of Gaza and Lebanon’s defense.
Military analysts pointed out a serious intelligence weakness within Hezbollah and Iran.
The detonation of calling devices first and then a planned attack knowing Nasrallah’s location clearly revealed a security vulnerability. While Hezbollah suffered a heavy blow in the short term, analysts argue that the group is unlikely to be severely affected in the long run.
Military experts suggest that a new leader can step in and the group will maintain its strength with its vast military arsenal.Mohammad Marandi, a professor at Tehran University, mentioned that Beirut is considered Hezbollah’s “weakest point” but also commented that “Israel does not have the capacity to defeat Hezbollah militarily.” With fears increasing about Iran’s possible reaction to Nasrallah’s death, experts say the country now needs to strike a more delicate balance between standing up to Israel and preventing a spread of war in the region.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated that Nasrallah’s death will “further strengthen the resistance.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the message of “We are winning” once again at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.
Israel claims that its attacks on Hezbollah are a significant victory. Experts largely agree that Israel will continue its attacks. While experts highlight Israel’s goal of drawing Iran into a war, Iranian officials are seen as avoiding this conflict and not wanting to confront the US and its allies.
According to the Washington Post, Israel’s killing of the Hezbollah leader will “ignite tension” and the New York Times states that the region will be “locked in a new cycle of violence.”