Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the elimination of Hashem Safieddine, Hezbollah’s presumed successor to Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike in Beirut three weeks ago. The attack, which also killed Hezbollah’s intelligence chief Ali Hussein Hazima, took place in the suburb of Dahieh, Hezbollah’s stronghold.
The IDF stated that Safieddine and Hazima, along with other Hezbollah commanders, were targeted in an airstrike on October 4. The attack, which focused on Hezbollah’s underground intelligence headquarters, resulted in casualties among the terrorists present at the site.
Prior to Nasrallah’s death, Safieddine was considered the second-in-command of Hezbollah. Despite speculation about Safieddine assuming leadership, Hezbollah dismissed these claims. Since their deaths, clashes between IDF and Hezbollah have escalated, with Hezbollah announcing a new phase of confrontation with Israel.
Following these events, Israel intensified its operations in Lebanon, resulting in a significant death toll. The IDF reported the killing of over 1,500 Hezbollah operatives, while Hezbollah disputes this figure. The conflict continues to raise tensions in the region.