Hezbollah chief’s death: Iran calls for UN Security Council meeting; US backs Israel
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Chief Nasrallah, Iran Takes UN Action
Israel claimed responsibility for the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah for over 32 years, following an airstrike in Beirut. The incident occurred in the southern suburbs of the city on Friday, September 27, 2024, and was confirmed by Hezbollah on Saturday. The Israeli military described Nasrallah as one of the “greatest enemies” of the state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strike was part of Israel’s efforts to settle scores with Nasrallah for past attacks on Israelis and citizens of other nations, including Americans. He emphasized that Nasrallah’s death prevents Hezbollah from quickly rebuilding its strength, which had been weakened in previous operations.
Iran, Hezbollah’s long-time backer, reacted sharply, condemning the strike and calling for a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed public mourning and warned Israel that killing Hezbollah’s commanders would not weaken the organization’s resolve. Khamenei vowed that Hezbollah would continue its fight against Israeli aggression, and Iran warned against any further attacks on its diplomatic facilities.
Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, sent a letter to the 15-member UNSC, outlining Iran’s stance and condemning Israel’s actions as a violation of international law. He stated that Iran would take all necessary measures to defend its national security. Iravani also called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its military actions in Lebanon and across the region.
The United States, however, viewed the incident differently. President Joe Biden described the killing of Nasrallah as a “measure of justice,” highlighting the US-Israel relationship and the role the United States plays as Israel’s primary arms supplier. Biden echoed Netanyahu’s sentiment, supporting the move as part of broader efforts to contain Hezbollah and Iran’s influence in the Middle East.
The situation in Lebanon has grown more tense in recent weeks, with the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifying, particularly in the aftermath of the war in Gaza, which erupted last October when Hamas launched attacks on Israeli towns. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas and also backed by Iran, has been heavily involved in cross-border fighting with Israeli forces since then. Israeli airstrikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon in the past two weeks alone.
Hassan Nasrallah, 64, was regarded as the mastermind behind Hezbollah’s military strategies and its expansion into political spheres in Lebanon. Under his leadership, Hezbollah transformed from a militia into a political and military powerhouse, making the group a major player in the region. For Israel, Nasrallah symbolized a constant threat. Israeli officials have repeatedly targeted Hezbollah’s leadership, viewing its ties with Iran as a direct threat to Israeli security.
The airstrike on Nasrallah is seen as a major victory for Israel, although it raises concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region. Hezbollah’s strong ties with Iran and its extensive influence in Lebanon mean that Nasrallah’s death may not put an end to the group’s activities, as Iran’s leaders have warned. Khamenei’s comments suggest that Hezbollah’s fight against Israel will continue, with or without Nasrallah at the helm.
For Iran, the strike represents another challenge in its ongoing struggle against Israeli influence in the region. Iran’s leaders have often used Hezbollah as a proxy to challenge Israeli actions and to exert influence over Lebanon’s politics. The killing of Nasrallah has now created an additional flashpoint in the volatile relationship between Israel and Iran, raising fears of a broader conflict that could draw in other regional powers.
At the United Nations, Iran’s request for a Security Council meeting may lead to increased diplomatic tensions between Israel and Iran’s supporters. However, with the United States and its Western allies likely to stand by Israel, the international response may be divided. Iran’s calls for accountability might not lead to concrete action, but they highlight the ongoing power struggle between the two nations.
In the wake of Nasrallah’s death, Hezbollah’s future remains uncertain. While the group confirmed his death and has vowed to continue its fight, leadership transitions in militant organizations can often create instability. Whether Hezbollah can maintain its influence without Nasrallah’s leadership remains to be seen. Israel, on the other hand, has made it clear that it will not allow Hezbollah or its allies to regain strength, and the Israeli government remains committed to curbing Iranian influence in the region.
The aftermath of the strike is likely to bring increased violence, with both sides ramping up their operations. For now, the death of Hassan Nasrallah has marked a significant moment in the long-running conflict between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, with far-reaching consequences for the future of the Middle East.
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