Israel kills Nasrallah's successors, Netanyahu says

JERUSALEM,— Israeli forces have eliminated key figures poised to lead Hezbollah following the death of their leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking in a pre-recorded video on Tuesday, Netanyahu claimed that Israeli strikes have significantly weakened Hezbollah’s leadership, though he did not name specific individuals.

“We have severely diminished Hezbollah’s capabilities,” Netanyahu stated. “We have taken out thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah, his immediate successor, and even the one set to follow after.”

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant previously hinted at this development, suggesting that Hashem Safieddine, the man believed to be in line to replace Nasrallah, may have been “eliminated.” However, the exact identity of the “replacement of the replacement” mentioned by Netanyahu remains unclear.

Addressing the people of Lebanon directly, Netanyahu emphasized that Hezbollah, a group aligned with Iran, is now weaker than it has been in years.

The group launched rocket attacks on Israel beginning October 8, following an attack by Islamic Hamas militants in southern Israel. In response, Israel has intensified efforts to neutralize Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

As a result of ongoing hostilities, approximately 60,000 residents in northern Israel have been displaced.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to ensuring security in the region, stating, “Israel has the right to defend itself. Israel has the right to win. And Israel will win.”

He also called on Lebanon to reclaim its future by distancing itself from Hezbollah’s influence. “Lebanon has the chance to pursue a future of peace and prosperity,” he urged.

He warned that, if unchecked, Hezbollah will continue to use densely populated areas to wage war against Israel, leading to further suffering for Lebanon’s people, including Christians, Druze, Sunnis, and Shiites.

Netanyahu closed by urging the Lebanese people to act before their country is drawn deeper into conflict. “You have the opportunity to protect Lebanon from a catastrophic war that could lead to widespread destruction and suffering. It doesn’t have to come to this,” he concluded.

(With files from Reuters)