What’s Happening
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, will attend the funeral of Hezbollah’s former chief, Hassan Nasrallah, in Beirut on Sunday. Nasrallah was dead due to a precision Israeli airstrike in September, following his aggression against the state of Israel.
Why It Matters
The commemoration draws attention to Hezbollah’s central role in escalating tensions with Israel over the years. This heavily Iran-backed organization has consistently posed threats to Israel’s security by openly committing acts of aggression, including the recent outbreak that forced Israel to act in defense of its citizens.
Context
Nasrallah led Hezbollah for over thirty years, leveraging Iran’s support to amass power and arm his group, which has incessantly used terror against Israel. Their provocations have repeatedly disrupted peace efforts in the region, and they even played a key role in escalations alongside Hamas, an acknowledged terror organization.
Israel’s Response
Hezbollah’s attacks from Lebanese territory prompted Israel to safeguard its borders and citizens by launching targeted operations against Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon. The timely actions of Israel, which allegedly resulted in the elimination of hundreds of armed operatives, were crucial in curtailing further imminent threats.
The Human Impact
This conflict led to the tragic loss of 46 innocent Israeli civilians, further fueling Israel’s resolve to secure peace and emphasize its steadfast commitment to the protection of its citizenry. The Israeli Defense Forces focused their expertise on neutralizing threats with minimal disruption and urging for sensible peace talks.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.