Escalation in Lebanon: Israeli warplanes Strike and Target the Successor to Nasrallah in Beirut

In a dramatic turn of events following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Israeli forces launched a series of powerful attacks last night (Thursday) in the Da'ahia district of Beirut, reportedly aimed at Hashem Safi ad-Din, Nasrallah's cousin and designated successor. According to Arab reports, the strikes were intended to destroy an underground bunker where senior Hezbollah officials were gathered.

Three Israeli officials informed the New York Times that the attacks targeted a meeting that Safi ad-Din was believed to be attending. Sources close to Hezbollah described the situation as a "belt of fire," noting that Israel conducted 11 consecutive strikes. The attacks reportedly involved bunker-penetrating bombs similar to those used in Nasrallah’s assassination.

Warnings Issued by IDF

The unusual series of strikes followed an announcement by IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Avihai Adrai, which urged residents in affected areas to evacuate for their safety. “For your safety and the safety of your families, you must evacuate the buildings and the adjoining structures,” he stated.

In a further escalation, the IDF confirmed that evacuation notices were issued shortly before additional attacks were carried out, which targeted Hezbollah's military infrastructure, including munitions production sites and intelligence headquarters.

Hezbollah's Response

In the aftermath of Nasrallah's assassination, Hezbollah has denied the appointment of a successor, with Deputy Leader Naim Kassem asserting that a new Secretary General would be elected "as soon as possible." Reports indicated that Safi ad-Din had not been present at the meeting during which Nasrallah was killed, and he remains a key figure within the organization, closely linked to the Iranian regime.

Cross-Border Tensions

The escalation comes amid increased tensions along the northern border, where Hezbollah has launched over 200 missiles into Israel, triggering alarms as far south as Kiryat and parts of Haifa. While some rockets were intercepted, others fell in open areas, causing no reported injuries.

The IDF continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing that Hezbollah’s military capabilities pose a threat to civilian safety in Beirut, where the group operates from within residential neighborhoods.

As the conflict intensifies, both sides brace for further developments in the region's ongoing struggle for power and influence.