Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah Assassinated by Israel

Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary General of Hezbollah, was assassinated on a Friday by Israeli forces, ending a two-decade avoidance of public appearances due to fears of being killed. Israeli officials reported they dropped around 80 bombs in rapid succession to target areas where Hezbollah leadership congregates. A key figure in Iran's proxy forces throughout the Middle East, Nasrallah strengthened Hezbollah’s influence since assuming command in 1992, after the assassination of his predecessor. As a leader, he played pivotal roles in supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against uprisings and training fighters for Hamas and militias in Iraq and Yemen. To his supporters, he was seen as a liberating figure for Shiite Muslims in Lebanon, while detractors labeled him a violent terrorist. His recent communications indicated a defiant stance against Israel, promising retaliation on their terms. The loss of such a charismatic and pivotal leader is expected to cause turmoil within Hezbollah as discussions about his successor begin. However, Iran has stated that the organization is not reliant on a single leader.