— Khamenei Tells Muslims to Take Action Against Israel after Death of Hezbollah Chief Sparks Tensions
Israel Steps Up Attacks on Hezbollah Chiefs
Israel’s airstrike on Beirut in the ongoing Israel–Hezbollah conflict kills and wounded over 170 and critically injured Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it killed a number of high-ranking Hezbollah commanders in the strike. The takeover of the site in northern Lebanon indicates wider conflict beyond Gaza and is an unusual escalation in the war.
Attacks in North and West Bank
Hezbollah responded with a rocket barrage aimed at northern Israel. The IDF intercepted a long-range rocket over the northern West Bank that was fired from Lebanon in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. In a later salvo, more rockets were launched at the Western Galilee. The incoming fire caused damage but no reported casualties, with some rockets intercepted and others landing in open ground.
Disruption of Hezbollah Chain of Command
Israel says its recent offensive has dealt a blow to Hezbollah’s high command. IDF has reportedly over the past week taken out more than a dozen of shura council members, including commanders in charge of committees and the organization’s chain of command. Nonetheless, it has the capacity for major retaliation in light of its arsenal of precision-guided missiles and long-range rockets that can target Israel.
Iran’s Response: A New Attitude?
As Hezbollah struggles to recover from these significant blows, its Iranian patrons have hard choices of their own. The Islamic Republic’s state television indicated that the main explosives depot in Gaza was likely at least partially funded by Iran, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rallied Muslims to defeat Israel, showing growing anger between ideological allies. Iran watches from afar having backed Hezbollah for years and could be drawn in more directly if Hezbollah comes under further attack.
In Lebanon, Iran’s embassy called the Israeli operation a “gross violation” of sovereignty and said Israel was endangering regional security by “changing the rules of engagement.” What is not clear is how exactly Iran will retaliate, but what was immediately obvious is that Hezbollah’s position in its patron Tehran’s plans extends well beyond mere military support, and the group remains key to Iran’s regional playbook.
So Why Does Iran Need Hezbollah?
For the 40 years of Hezbollah’s life, since it was established, Iran has made extensive use of its service as a fundamental element in Iran’s strategy in the Middle East. It is a key non-state enemy actor that can challenge Israel from the southern Lebanese border. Hezbollah is powerful because it offers Iran military partners and strategic depth — part of the larger “Axis of Resistance” in countries ranging from Iraq, Syria, Gaza and Yemen.
Hezbollah appears to have lost its long-time leader, Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leadership may be vacated and tested as far as the extent of the group´s resilience. Although Iran is likely to continue backing Hezbollah, direct interdiction from Tehran could raise levels of acrimony and fuel intervention by other regional and global powers.
Disclosure: Will Iran Fill the Void?
The great question going forward is whether Iran steps in. Mahjoob some analysts say Iran could avoid a full involvement in order to preserve direct Iranian interests as Tehran has more to lose if it military engaged. Iran was prepared to support Hezbollah in reconstituting its command structure following the losses incurred, but it remains unclear whether they will provide anything more than advisory support.
Inevitably, Hezbollah could recover within a few more months and get back to pressing Israel. But if that pushes the group to the point of collapse, then Iran could intervene with drone or missile strikes and deepen it.
Conclusion: The Most Risky Phase Ahead
With Israel and Hezbollah locked in a deadly war of attrition, the conflict is at a turning point. The toll on Hezbollah’s military structure was substantial, but by no means is the group defeated. This has unleashed a state of high alert as Iran closely follows the situation and it may have regional consequences if it gets out of control further. From their vantage points on opposite sides of the border, both Israel and Hezbollah are readying for what comes next in this deadly cat and mouse game.