Overview

Hassan Nasrallah was the internationally sanctioned secretary-general of the Shiite terrorist group Hezbollah.Guy Raz, “Hassan Nasrallah: Mideast Man of the Minute,” National Public Radio, July 18, 2006, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5566717. Nasrallah led Hezbollah from 1992 until his death in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon on September 27, 2024. During his tenure, Nasrallah oversaw Hezbollah’s deadly terrorist attacks in Argentina and Bulgaria, as well as its 2006 war against Israel.Bassem Mroue, “Israel strikes Hezbollah in a huge blast targeting the militant group’s leader,” Associated Press, September 28, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-airstrikes-suburb-617575d9c5d7c711bc02e7b81d2ba4ad; Mick Krever, Sarah El Sirgany, Eyad Kourdi, Mostafa Salem and Jeremy Diamond, “Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut strike, group confirms,” CNN, September 28, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/28/middleeast/hezbollah-nasrallah-killed-israel-strikes-intl/index.html.

Nasrallah assumed leadership of Hezbollah in 1992 after Israel assassinated his predecessor, co-founder of the group Abbas Musawi.Guy Raz, “Hassan Nasrallah: Mideast Man of the Minute,” National Public Radio, July 18, 2006, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5566717. Under Nasrallah’s leadership, Hezbollah assumed many state functions in Lebanon’s Shiite-majority south by providing a social welfare network, schools, housing, and other services. These activities boosted Hezbollah’s and Nasrallah’s popularity.Guy Raz, “Hassan Nasrallah: Mideast Man of the Minute,” National Public Radio, July 18, 2006, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5566717.

Many in the Middle East viewed Nasrallah as a heroic figure for appearing to successfully stand up to Israel.Ronen Bergman, “The Fall of Hezbollah’s Leader,” Bloomberg Business, June 24, 2013, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-06-24/the-fall-of-hezbollah-s-leader. Hezbollah claimed credit for forcing Israel to end its 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon in 2000.Marjorie Miller, John Daniszewski, and Tracy Wilkinson, “Israel leaves South Lebanon after 22 years,” Los Angeles Times, May 24, 2000, http://articles.latimes.com/2000/may/24/news/mn-33497. According to National Public Radio’s Guy Raz, “Nasrallah is seen as a hero [throughout the Arab world] — a leader capable of inflicting pain on Israel.”Guy Raz, “Hassan Nasrallah: Mideast Man of the Minute,” National Public Radio, July 18, 2006, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5566717. However, Nasrallah’s popularity in Lebanon suffered after 2012 as a result of Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian civil war.“Hezbollah Promises Syria ‘Victory,’” BBC News, May 25, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22669230.

Iran and Hezbollah maintained strong ties under Nasrallah’s leadership, with Iran providing Hezbollah with financial and military support.Anoushiravan Ehteshami, “The Foreign Policy of Iran,” in The Foreign Policies of Middle East States (Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2002), 298; Jonathan Masters and Zachary Laub, “Hezbollah (a.k.a. Hizbollah, Hizbu’llah),” Council on Foreign Relations, January 3, 2014, http://www.cfr.org/lebanon/hezbollah-k-hizbollah-hizbullah/p9155. In September 2012, Nasrallah pledged to attack Israel if it or the U.S. attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities.Rana Muhammad Taha, “Nasrallah Threatens US on Behalf of Iran,” Daily News Egypt, September 4, 2012, http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2012/09/04/hezbollah-if-attacked-iran-could-attack-us-bases/. After the January 3, 2020, death of Qasem Soleimani, commander of Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Nasrallah called for attacks on U.S. military installations around the Middle East.<Liz Sly and Sarah Dadouch, “Hezbollah says retribution for Soleimani’s death must target U.S. military, not civilians,” Washington Post, January 5, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/hezbollah-says-retribution-for-soleimanis-death-must-target-us-military-not-civilians/2020/01/05/50869828-2e62-11ea-bffe-020c88b3f120_story.html.

In May 2018, the U.S. Treasury and the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center—which includes the governments of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—sanctioned Nasrallah along with other top Hezbollah officials. According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the sanctions demonstrate a collective rejection of “the false distinction between the so-called ‘Political Wing’ and Hezbollah’s global terrorist plotting.”“U.S. sanctions Hezbollah leader Nasrallah, deputy Qassem,” Reuters, May 16, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-hezbollah-sanctions/u-s-targets-hezbollah-leader-nasrallah-deputy-qassem-with-sanctions-idUSKCN1IH2QA. Previously, the United States had designated Nasrallah in January 1995 as a Specially Designated Terrorist under Executive Order 12947 and again in September 2012 under Executive Order 13582 for providing support to the Syrian government.“Treasury Targets Hizballah for Supporting the Assad Regime,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 10, 2012, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1676.aspx; “Treasury Designates Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 13, 2012, http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1709.aspx; “Treasury and the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center Partner Together to Sanction Hizballah’s Senior Leadership” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 16, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0387.

On November 27, 2020, unknown assailants killed senior Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in Iran. U.S. intelligence described Fakhrizadeh as the driving force behind Iran’s nuclear program. Some U.S. officials claimed Israel was behind the assassination.Kylie Atwood, “US official says Israel was behind assassination of Iranian scientist,” CNN, December 2, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/02/politics/iran-scientist-israel-assassination-us/index.html. In response to the killing, Nasrallah reportedly canceled all travel plans and intended to remain in one undisclosed location out of concern Israel might target him.“Hezbollah chief said to hunker down amid fears he could be targeted by Israel,” Times of Israel, November 29, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hezbollah-chief-said-to-hunker-down-amid-fears-he-could-be-targeted-by-israel/. In early December, Kuwaiti media reported that Nasrallah planned to indefinitely relocate—or had already relocated—to Iran. According to the reports, Lebanese and regional intelligence had recorded increased communications between the IRGC and Hezbollah to plan the move.Tzvi Joffre, “Hezbollah’s Nasrallah to move to Iran amid regional tensions – report,” Jerusalem Post, December 3, 2020, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/hezbollahs-nasrallah-to-move-to-iran-amid-regional-tensions-report-650992.

On June 29, 2021, Nasrallah met with Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyehin Beirut to discuss the fighting between Israel and Gaza-based terror groups led by Hamas, which escalated in May 2021 after Hamas fired rockets into Israel. The two leaders reportedly affirmed the relationship between Hezbollah and Hamas.Aaron Boxerman, “Hamas leader Haniyeh meets Hezbollah chief Nasrallah in Beirut,” Times of Israel, June 29, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-leader-haniyeh-meets-hezbollah-chief-nasrallah-in-beirut/.

Under Nasrallah’s leadership, Hezbollah remained committed to responding to Israeli airstrikes. On August 7, 2021, claimed that the group’s actions could escalate in an “appropriate and proportional way” in the future.“Hezbollah chief Nasrallah says group could escalate its response to Israel,” Reuters, August 7, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hezbollah-chief-nasrallah-said-group-could-escalate-response-israel-2021-08-07/. The statement was made following Israel carrying out its first air raids on Lebanese soil in years on August 5, with Hezbollah launching retaliatory attacks the next day.“Hezbollah vows 'suitable and proportionate' response to any Israeli air strikes on Lebanon,” France 24, August 8, 2021, https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210808-hezbollah-vows-suitable-and-proportionate-response-to-any-israeli-air-strikes-on-lebanon.

Following the Taliban’s August 15, 2021, takeover of the Afghan government, Nasrallah delivered a speech in which he called the takeover “the moral downfall of America.” Given the Taliban’s conquest, Nasrallah criticized U.S. support overseas, particularly in Israel, which he conjectured would face a fate similar to Afghanistan if it continues to rely on U.S. support.Aaron Boxerman, “Hezbollah chief: Israel should learn from Afghanistan that US is unreliable,” Times of Israel, August 18, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hezbollah-head-israel-should-learn-from-afghanistan-that-us-is-unreliable/. On August 19, Nasrallah announced that an Iranian fuel tanker would sail toward Lebanon—a violation of U.S. sanctions imposed on Tehran—warning Israel and the United States to not intercept the vessel.“Hezbollah Says Iranian Fuel Tanker to Sail to Lebanon Soon,” Voice of America, August 19, 2021, https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/hezbollah-says-iranian-fuel-tanker-sail-lebanon-soon; “Iranian fuel tanker heads for crisis-hit Lebanon, says Hezbollah,” France 24, August 19, 2021, https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210819-iranian-fuel-tanker-heads-for-crisis-hit-lebanon-says-hezbollah. The fuel would allegedly be used for desperately needed supplies for “hospitals, manufacturers of medicine and food, as well as bakeries and private generators,” in Lebanon. However, some analysts believe the fuel will be sent to Syria and refined there.“Daring Israel and US to act, Hezbollah says Iran fuel tanker to sail to Lebanon,” Times of Israel, August 19, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hezbollah-says-iran-fuel-tanker-to-sail-to-lebanon-dares-israel-and-us-to-act/. Nasrallah further announced on August 22 that a second vessel was set to sail out sometime soon, with the first vessel having allegedly departed from Iran on August 19. According to media sources, the arrival of Iranian fuel—despite the risk of sanctions—would purportedly offset Lebanon’s financial crisis as fuel had run dry and shortages had incited deadly violence throughout the country.“Lebanon's Hezbollah says Iranian fuel vessels setting off soon,” Reuters, August 23, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-hezbollah-says-iranian-fuel-vessels-heading-lebanon-2021-08-22/.

As Saudi Arabia has engaged Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations have designated Hezbollah as a terrorist group and downgraded their relations with Lebanon. In response, Nasrallah and Hezbollah stepped up their rhetoric against the Saudi monarchy. In September 2016, Nasrallah declared Saudi Arabia’s Wahhabi ideology to be “more evil than Israel.”“Hezbollah chief prefers Israel over Wahhabism,” Ya Libnan, September 27, 2016, http://yalibnan.com/2016/09/27/hezbollah-chief-prefers-israel-over-wahhabism/; “Nasrallah: Wahhabism ‘more evil’ than Israel,” Times of Israel, September 27, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/nasrallah-wahhabism-more-evil-than-israel/. Thousands of Hezbollah supporters at an October 2016 rally reportedly chanted “Death to the Al Saud,” referring to Saudi Arabia’s ruling family.“Hezbollah sees more conflict in Syria and rising regional tension,” Reuters, October 11, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-hezbollah-idUSKCN12B2FG?il=0. During a January 3, 2022, televised address, Nasrallah accused Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul Aziz of exporting ISIS’s ideology and providing cars for suicide attacks in Iraq. Nasrallah further accused Saudi Arabia of participating in a wider conspiracy to destroy the Middle East. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s office soon after issued a statement distancing the Lebanese government from Nasrallah’s address.Kareem Chehayeb, “Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah accuses Saudi Arabia of ‘terrorism,’” Al Jazeera, last updated January 4, 2022, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/3/hezbollahs-nasrallah-accuses-saudi-arabia-of-terrorism. Mikati called Nasrallah’s comments antagonizing Saudi Arabia “not in Lebanon’s interest.”Timour Azhari, “Hezbollah’s criticism of Saudi not in Lebanon’s interest - PM,” Reuters, January 3, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hezbollahs-criticism-saudi-not-lebanons-interest-pm-2022-01-03/.

Through October 2022, Lebanon and Israel was engaged in an international dispute over the Karish gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, which both countries claimed was partly in their territorial waters. On June 5, 2022, a tanker ship owned by London-based hydrocarbon exploration company Energean PLC arrived off the coast of Israel to produce natural gas in conjunction with Israel. Lebanon condemned the ship and called for a renewal of U.S. mediation over the gas field. In a June 9 televised speech, Nasrallah declared Hezbollah is “not afraid of war” and can stop Israel from extracting gas from the maritime field.“Lebanon’s Hezbollah can stop Israeli gas extraction from disputed field, chief says,” Reuters, June 8, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/head-lebanons-hezbollah-says-his-group-has-capacity-prevent-israel-extracting-2022-06-09/. He accused Energean of being “a partner in this attack on Lebanon” and threatened “consequences” for Energean.“Lebanon’s Hezbollah can stop Israeli gas extraction from disputed field, chief says,” Reuters, June 8, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/head-lebanons-hezbollah-says-his-group-has-capacity-prevent-israel-extracting-2022-06-09/; Agence France-Presse, “Lebanon should block Israel gas extraction move: Hezbollah chief,” Al-Monitor, June 9, 2022, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/06/lebanon-should-block-israel-gas-extraction-move-hezbollah-chief. Israel promised to defend its energy infrastructure and rights in the area.“Lebanon Disputes Israel's Right to Develop Karish Offshore Gas Field,” Maritime Executive, June 8, 2022, https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/lebanon-disputes-israel-s-right-to-develop-karish-offshore-gas-field. Lebanon and Israel signed a maritime border agreement on October 27, 2022. Nasrallah declared Hezbollah would end the “exceptional measures and mobilizations” it adopted during negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.Tzvi Joffre, “Hezbollah ends state of alert over maritime border – Nasrallah,” Jerusalem Post, October 27, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-720784. Nasrallah called the agreement a great victory for Lebanon and Hezbollah. He emphasized Hezbollah’s position against any normalization with Israel, accusing critics of the deal of being blinded by their hatred.Tzvi Joffre, “Hezbollah ends state of alert over maritime border – Nasrallah,” Jerusalem Post, October 27, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-720784.

After Lebanese President Michel Aoun’s term expired in October 2022, Hezbollah delayed the election of a new president in parliament. Lebanon’s president installs a new government’s ministers, and the parliament is responsible for electing the president. But Hezbollah and its allies prevented a quick selection of a successor to Aoun. Hezbollah claimed it would not support a president who would be subservient to the United States or Israel.“Hezbollah won’t accept new Lebanese president subservient to US, Israeli regime,” Press TV, December 2, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/12/02/693771/Hezbollah-won%E2%80%99t-accept-new-president-who-would-give-into-US-Israeli-projects--Top-official. In March 2023, Hezbollah announced its support for pro-Syria Christian politician Suleiman Frangieh to become the country’s next president. Frangieh is a former Lebanese minister and reportedly a friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Nasrallah called him the “natural candidate.”Timour Azhari and Laila Bassam, “Lebanon's Hezbollah backs Christian politician Frangieh for presidency,” Reuters, March 6, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-hezbollah-backs-christian-politician-frangieh-presidency-2023-03-06/.

During a July 12, 2023, speech marking the 17th anniversary of the start of the Second Lebanon War, Nasrallah refuted rumors Hezbollah wanted to cancel the Taif Accord—which ended Lebanon’s civil war—and end Lebanon’s system of tripartite power-sharing. Turning to Lebanon’s presidential crisis, Nasrallah said Hezbollah had faith in former president Michel Aoun that “the back of the resistance was secure and would not be stabbed.”“Nasrallah says Shebaa tent aimed at highlighting occupation of Ghajar, other areas,” Naharnet, July 12, 2023, https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/298930-nasrallah-says-shebaa-tent-aimed-at-highlighting-occupation-of-ghajar-other-areas. He reaffirmed Hezbollah’s choice of Franjieh as Lebanon’s president but said his group was open to discussion and would “not use the force of the resistance to impose anything inside the country.”“Nasrallah says Shebaa tent aimed at highlighting occupation of Ghajar, other areas,” Naharnet, July 12, 2023, https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/298930-nasrallah-says-shebaa-tent-aimed-at-highlighting-occupation-of-ghajar-other-areas.

On October 7, 2023, one day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, Hamas—with Iranian support—launched a multi-pronged attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 and taking over 200 hostages into Gaza. Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; “Israeli forces conducting ‘wide-scale strikes’ on Hamas centers in Gaza. Here’s everything you need to know,” CNN, October 9, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-gaza-attack-10-09-23/h_adebb4147fc4a83751908555ec54b8c0; “Israel revises Hamas attack death toll to ‘around 1,200,’” Reuters, November 10, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-revises-death-toll-oct-7-hamas-attack-around-1200-2023-11-10/. The United States sent warships to the region as a warning to Hezbollah and other regional actors not to get involved. On October 13, Hezbollah deputy leader Naim QassemF proclaimed Hezbollah was “fully ready” to join the war and U.S. warnings would have no effect on its decision. “Hezbollah says calls for it not to intervene in war ‘will have no effect,’” Reuters, October 13, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hezbollah-says-when-time-comes-any-action-we-will-carry-it-out-2023-10-13/. Since the start of the war, Hezbollah launched multiple anti-tank missiles toward Israeli positions in northern Israel. On November 3, Nasrallah gave his first speech on the ensuing war. Calling Hamas’s October 7 surprise attack a “heroic act,” Nasrallah declared Hezbollah had been engaged in the war since October 8. Timothy H.J. Nerozzi, “Hezbollah leader praises 'heroic' Hamas terror attack, threatens to expand fight against Israel,” Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/world/hezbollah-leader-praises-heroic-hamas-terror-attack-threatens-to-expand-fight-against-israel. He also claimed that Israeli forces were in fact responsible for Hamas’s Oct 7 massacre of Israeli citizens. “Hezbollah’s Nasrallah blames IDF for massacre of Israelis,” Jerusalem Post, November 3, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-771576. Nasrallah reiterated that Hezbollah is not intimidated by American threats. He in turn threatened to strike U.S. forces. He also warned Israel against going further in its assault on Hamas, promising to kill “a civilian for a civilian.”Gianluca Pacchiani, “‘A civilian for a civilian’: Nasrallah threatens attacks against Israelis, US troops in region,” Times of Israel, November 3, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/a-civilian-for-a-civilian-nasrallah-threatens-attacks-against-israelis-us-troops-in-region/.

Hezbollah continued to launch rockets and missiles toward northern Israel, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. The attacks raised concerns among the Israeli public of a new war with Hezbollah. Nasrallah continued to raise the temperature of his rhetoric, threatening both Israel and its regional allies. On June 19, 2024, Nasrallah warned that “no place” in Israel would be safe from Hezbollah’s missiles in a new war as “everything will be deliberately targeted.”Tamara Qiblawi, Mostafa Salem, Paul P. Murphy, Ben Wedeman, Gianluca Mezzofiore, Oren Liebermann, Michael Rios, Tamar Michaelis, and Andrew Raine, “Hezbollah leader threatens Cyprus as tensions with Israel ramp up,” CNN, June 20, 2024, https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/18/middleeast/hezbollah-drone-video-israel-haifa-intl-latam/index.html. Nasrallah also warned that Hezbollah would target Cyprus in a future war with Israel if Cyprus allowed Israel to use its airports and military bases.Tamara Qiblawi, Mostafa Salem, Paul P. Murphy, Ben Wedeman, Gianluca Mezzofiore, Oren Liebermann, Michael Rios, Tamar Michaelis, and Andrew Raine, “Hezbollah leader threatens Cyprus as tensions with Israel ramp up,” CNN, June 20, 2024, https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/18/middleeast/hezbollah-drone-video-israel-haifa-intl-latam/index.html. After Hezbollah launched more than 100 rockets toward Israel on July 16, 2024, Nasrallah gave a televised address on July 17 warning that Hezbollah would strike all of Israel if Israel continued to target civilians in Lebanon.Emanuel Fabian and agencies, “100 rockets target northern Israel as IDF strikes in Lebanon said to kill 5 Syrians,” Times of Israel, July 17, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/80-rockets-target-northern-israel-as-idf-strikes-in-lebanon-said-to-kill-5-syrians/; Gianluca Pacchiani and staff, “Nasrallah threatens to fire rockets at Israeli areas not yet targeted by Hezbollah,” Times of Israel, July 17, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/nasrallah-threatens-to-fire-rockets-at-israeli-areas-not-yet-targeted-by-hezbollah/.

On July 27, 2024, a rocket fired from Lebanon killed at least 12 and wounded more than 30 on a soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams in Israel’s Golan Heights. All the fatalities were between the ages of 10 and 20. Hezbollah initially claimed responsibility for launching a barrage of Katyusha rockets and a single heavy Falaq rocket at a nearby military base, but the terror group denied responsibility for the strike on the soccer field. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Hezbollah’s denial and promised that Hezbollah would “pay a heavy price, the kind it has thus far not paid.”Emanuel Fabian, “12 killed, all aged 10-20, as Hezbollah rocket hits soccer field, sparking wider war fears,” Times of Israel, July 27, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/11-killed-mostly-children-dozens-more-hurt-as-rocket-hits-soccer-field-in-majdal-shams/; Maayan Lubell , Maya Gebeily, and Laila Bassam, “Israel says Hezbollah rocket kills 12 at football ground, vows response,” Reuters, July 27, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/nine-people-killed-rocket-hits-football-pitch-israeli-occupied-golan-israel-2024-07-27/. The rocket strike was Hezbollah’s deadliest since it began launching rockets in October 2023. U.S. officials warned that the attack could spark a full-on Hezbollah-Israel war. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for Nasrallah to “pay with his head.”Sam Sokol, “Smotrich calls for Hezbollah chief to ‘pay with his head’ for Majdal Shams attack,” Times of Israel, July 27, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/smotrich-calls-for-hezbollah-chief-to-pay-with-his-head-for-majdal-shams-attack/. Smotrich also said that “Lebanon as a whole has to pay the price.”Sam Sokol, “Smotrich calls for Hezbollah chief to ‘pay with his head’ for Majdal Shams attack,” Times of Israel, July 27, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/smotrich-calls-for-hezbollah-chief-to-pay-with-his-head-for-majdal-shams-attack/. Nasrallah dismissed the threat, saying he was ready and waiting. “Hezbollah Boss Dares Israel After Call To Assassinate Nasrallah,” Times of India, July 29, 2024, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/international/hezbollah-boss-dares-israel-after-call-to-assassinate-nasrallah/videoshow/112100077.cms.

On September 27, 2024, an Israeli airstrike targeted Hezbollah’s headquarters in a Beirut suburb, killing Nasrallah and Abbas Nilforoshan, a U.S.-sanctioned senior member of Iran’s IRGC who served as a military adviser during the Syrian civil war. On September 28, Israel confirmed Nasrallah died in the strike. A few hours later, Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death, calling him a “sacred martyr.”Bassem Mroue, “Israel strikes Hezbollah in a huge blast targeting the militant group’s leader,” Associated Press, September 28, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-airstrikes-suburb-617575d9c5d7c711bc02e7b81d2ba4ad; Mick Krever, Sarah El Sirgany, Eyad Kourdi, Mostafa Salem and Jeremy Diamond, “Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut strike, group confirms,” CNN, September 28, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/28/middleeast/hezbollah-nasrallah-killed-israel-strikes-intl/index.html. U.S. President Joe Biden called Nasrallah’s death a “measure of justice” for Hezbollah’s victims.“Statement from President Joe Biden on the Death of Hassan Nasrallah,” White House, September 28, 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/09/28/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-death-of-hassan-nasrallah/. In a statement, Hezbollah declared that it would continue to fight against Israel “in support of Gaza and Palestine, and in defense of Lebanon and its steadfast and honorable people.”Bassem Mroue, “Israel strikes Hezbollah in a huge blast targeting the militant group’s leader,” Associated Press, September 28, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-airstrikes-suburb-617575d9c5d7c711bc02e7b81d2ba4ad; Mick Krever, Sarah El Sirgany, Eyad Kourdi, Mostafa Salem and Jeremy Diamond, “Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut strike, group confirms,” CNN, September 28, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/28/middleeast/hezbollah-nasrallah-killed-israel-strikes-intl/index.html.Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared five days of mourning for Nasrallah and threatened Israel would face “crushing blows.”Mick Krever, Sarah El Sirgany, Eyad Kourdi, Mostafa Salem and Jeremy Diamond, “Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut strike, group confirms,” CNN, September 28, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/28/middleeast/hezbollah-nasrallah-killed-israel-strikes-intl/index.html. In Iraq, influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr declared three days of mourning, referring to Nasrallah as a “companion in the path of resistance.”Mick Krever, Sarah El Sirgany, Eyad Kourdi, Mostafa Salem and Jeremy Diamond, “Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut strike, group confirms,” CNN, September 28, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/28/middleeast/hezbollah-nasrallah-killed-israel-strikes-intl/index.html. During a September 30 televised broadcast from an undisclosed location, deputy leader Naim Qassem announced that Hezbollah would select a new secretary-general and replenish its leadership ranks as soon as possible.“Lebanon’s Hezbollah will pick new leader at earliest opportunity, says its deputy chief,” Reuters, September 30, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-hezbollah-will-pick-new-leader-earliest-opportunity-says-its-deputy-2024-09-30/.