Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon: Over 1,000 Dead, Millions Displaced
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of two potential successors to Hezbollah’s slain leader, as Israel intensified its ground offensive against the Iran-backed militant group by deploying a fourth army division into southern Lebanon.
In a video released by his office, Netanyahu stated that Israel has significantly weakened Hezbollah’s capabilities, claiming to have eliminated thousands of terrorists, including both Hassan Nasrallah and his designated successor. However, he did not disclose the names of these individuals.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that Hashem Safieddine, a likely successor to Nasrallah, had probably been killed. It remains unclear who Netanyahu referred to as the “replacement of the replacement.”
Later, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari mentioned that Safieddine was known to be in Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters when it was bombed last week, adding that the assessment of Safieddine’s status is ongoing.
Netanyahu asserted that Hezbollah is currently weaker than it has been in many years. The Israeli military reported that recent airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon resulted in at least 50 fighters’ deaths, including six sector commanders.
The ongoing conflict has intensified since Hamas attacked southern Israel from Gaza on October 1. On that same day, Iran, a supporter of both Hezbollah and Hamas, launched missiles at Israel. Iranian officials have since warned Israel against retaliatory actions.
Western nations are pushing for diplomatic resolutions, concerned that the conflict could destabilize the broader, oil-rich region. The Pentagon announced that Gallant would postpone his visit to Washington and a scheduled meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
In a televised address from an undisclosed location, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem expressed support for negotiations toward a ceasefire, noting for the first time that ending the conflict in Gaza was not a pre-condition for halting fighting in Lebanon.
While Qassem claimed that Hezbollah’s capabilities remain intact, despite recent setbacks, he also acknowledged that the group was facing significant challenges.
The Israeli military has dispatched the 146th Division to south Lebanon, marking the first reserve division deployed across the border. While the number of troops in Lebanon remains undisclosed, previous announcements indicated that thousands of soldiers are likely present.
The military has conducted airstrikes in various areas, including southern Beirut, targeting key figures within Hezbollah, while also issuing new evacuation warnings for specific buildings in the southern suburbs.
In northern Israel, warning sirens were activated as Hezbollah reportedly fired nearly 200 rockets into Israel. Despite the high volume of rockets, interceptions by air defenses have minimized casualties.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 1,000 deaths in Lebanon in the past two weeks, prompting the displacement of more than a million residents. Israel aims to secure its northern regions against Hezbollah rocket attacks to facilitate the return of displaced individuals.
More Read:
Israel Claims Hezbollah Leader Hashem Safiuddin Killed in Beirut Airstrike
Israel Launches Targeted Raids on Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon
Blinken: World is Safer After Death of Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah
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