Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, has pledged a "definite" response to Israel's recent actions. This declaration comes in the wake of an Israeli strike that resulted in the death of Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah's head of military operations, along with an Iranian military adviser and five civilians.
The incident, which occurred on July 30, 2024, in Beirut's southern suburbs, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Nasrallah, speaking at Shukr's funeral, emphasized the gravity of the situation:
"The resistance cannot but respond. This is definite. We are looking for a real response, not a performative response, and for real opportunities. A studied response."
This development comes amidst a series of events that have heightened tensions in the region:
- The killing of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas leader, in Tehran
- A U.S. strike south of Baghdad
- A strike on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which Hezbollah denies responsibility for
Nasrallah asserts that these events signify a new phase in the regional conflict. He dismissed attempts by unnamed countries to influence Hezbollah's response, stating that the retaliation would be proportional to Israel's actions.
The Hezbollah leader announced that routine operations against Israel, including drone and rocket strikes, would resume on August 2, 2024. These activities have been ongoing since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, approximately 10 months ago.
Hezbollah, founded in 1982, has a complex structure including political, social, and military wings. The organization receives substantial support from Iran and maintains a significant presence in Lebanon, both politically and militarily. With an estimated tens of thousands of fighters and a large arsenal of rockets and missiles, Hezbollah poses a considerable threat in the region.
Nasrallah emphasized that the only path to resolution lies in ending the aggression against Gaza. He stated, "There will be no solution except via stopping the aggression on Gaza," highlighting the interconnected nature of conflicts in the region.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community watches closely, aware of the potential for a wider regional conflict. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the course of events in this volatile situation.