Israel claims to have killed Hashem Safieddine in fresh-air strike
In a decisive move amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Thursday targeting Hezbollah‘s intelligence headquarters located in Beirut. This action comes in the wake of intensified hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group.
The strikes focused on the Dahiyeh suburb, known as a Hezbollah stronghold. Prior to the air raids, Israel had urged residents in the area to evacuate, underscoring the seriousness of the operation.
Reports indicate that the attack specifically aimed at Hashem Safieddine, a prominent Hezbollah figure and rumored successor to the organization’s long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Israel has now claimed to have killed Safieddine, the next probable chief of Hezbollah.
This comes as Lebanon prepares to cremate Hassan Nasrallah in a secret ceremony. Israel’s latest strike on Beirut has sent shockwaves across Lebanon, Iran, and Hezbollah cadres. However, there is no confirmation from Hezbollah or Lebanon about Safieddine’s death. A Reuters report quoting some locals said that Safieddine survived the Israeli attack.
In retaliation, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for new attacks on Israeli military sites, targeting what they referred to as the “Sakhnin base” for military industries in Haifa Bay and another site in Haifa.
This escalation follows a significant missile barrage launched by Iran, which fired over 180 missiles into Israel earlier this week—an unprecedented assault attributed to the recent Israeli actions against key figures in the region, including Nasrallah and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh.
Amid these developments, US President Joe Biden expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential for avoiding a broader conflict in the region. “I don’t believe there is going to be an all-out war. I think we can avoid it,” he stated during a press conference at the White House while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.
As the situation unfolds, both Israel and Hezbollah remain on high alert, with the possibility of further confrontations looming.
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