It’s official. Hassan Nasrallah has been killed by an Israeli strike targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut. This significant event is poised to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. In the aftermath of his death, speculation about his successor, Iran’s reaction, and the broader consequences for Hezbollah and its allies are gaining traction.
Announced first by the Israeli army and subsequently confirmed by Hezbollah on September 28, the death of Hassan Nasrallah represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in the region. Following the news, Hezbollah issued a stern warning, declaring its intent to continue fighting against Israel “in support of Gaza and Palestine, and for the defense of Lebanon and its people.” However, questions arise concerning Hezbollah’s capability to retaliate effectively.
Hezbollah has reportedly suffered considerable losses in recent Israeli attacks, including the deaths of numerous senior officials, leaving the organization tragically weakened. Despite having an arsenal of approximately 150,000 rockets and missiles, with about 1,000 classified as ballistic missiles capable of penetrating deep into Israeli territory, the effectiveness of this military strength is in doubt. Reports indicate that a significant portion of Hezbollah’s arsenal has been targeted and destroyed by Israeli strikes, leading to critical disruptions in their operational capacities.
Karim Yahiaoui, a special correspondent for France 24 in Beirut, noted, “Even if there remains a strike and fire capacity on the Hezbollah side, for the moment, it has proven relatively ineffective in achieving Israeli military objectives.” The recent operational setbacks have led analysts to question Hezbollah’s ability to launch organized and impactful retaliation against Israeli interests.
If revenge is deemed “essential” for Hezbollah, it will be “difficult to implement,” given the organization’s fraught organizational structure due to intensified Israeli strikes. “The capacity of Hezbollah in its organization and in its capacity to fire in an organized manner towards Israel is undoubtedly largely called into question,” Yahiaoui elaborated.
Israeli operations have further disrupted Hezbollah’s communication frameworks, which ultimately culminated in the death of Nasrallah during a crucial meeting with other high-ranking officials. This level of infiltration by Israeli intelligence signals remarkable precision and raises concerns about Hezbollah’s internal security and organizational integrity, leading to a pervasive paranoia among its ranks.
Hachem Safieddine: The Likely Successor
As the dust settles on the sudden leadership vacuum, a name is circulating as a potential successor to Hassan Nasrallah: Hachem Safieddine. As the head of Hezbollah’s executive council, Safieddine has previously survived several attempts to weaken the organization through Israeli military actions. He is reportedly a cousin of Nasrallah and bears a physical resemblance to the late leader, which may facilitate a smoother transition should he be appointed as the new head.
Safieddine carries significant influence within Hezbollah, managing vital aspects of its political and military operations. Designated as a terrorist by the U.S. State Department in 2017, he remains aligned with the group’s militant position and has historically adhered closely to the Palestinian cause, vowing to make Israel “weep and lament” in the wake of the deaths of Hezbollah commanders.
His shared ideological vision with Nasrallah, honed during their formative years in Qom, Iran, could help maintain Hezbollah’s trajectory and its ongoing alliance with Iran and other regional allies.
The Iranian Response
The death of Hassan Nasrallah is significant not only for Hezbollah but also for Iran, which played a pivotal role in establishing the militant group in 1982. In response to the event, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has urged Muslims to support Hezbollah and its battle against “the evil regime of Israel.”
Iran’s future actions in the wake of Nasrallah’s death remain uncertain, given that the country has maintained a relatively low profile in recent days amid escalating regional tensions. However, the loss of a key figure like Nasrallah may shift the dynamics within the so-called “axis of resistance,” reshaping Iran’s approach to its military and diplomatic endeavors in the region.
Senior reporter Amar Al Hameedawi opines that Nasrallah’s assassination might lead to a decline in the effectiveness of this axis, as Iranian alliances with Syria, various pro-Iranian militias, and others come under scrutiny. Nevertheless, the commitment of Iran to its allies and the broader Shiite cause is unlikely to waver significantly in the immediate aftermath.
Potential Implications for Lebanon
Experts view Nasrallah’s elimination as an unprecedented blow to Shiite extremists but not necessarily a transformative event for neighboring Arab states, who have generally held little respect for Hezbollah. Ofer Bronchtein, president of the International Forum for Peace, posited that Nasrallah’s removal could provide an opportunity for the Lebanese population to reclaim their sovereignty and inadvertently encourage a sense of liberation from Hezbollah’s firm grasp over the Lebanese government and military.
“The Lebanese must sense a liberation movement somewhere,” Bronchtein suggested, urging the public to regain control of their destiny and aspire towards a singular Lebanese military force—not one fragmented by factionalism. He points out that with perceived threats from Israel significantly lower than those posed by the ongoing Palestinian issues, Lebanese perspectives on foreign interventions may also begin to shift.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has articulated that “Israel’s war is not against the Lebanese people.” He acknowledged Nasrallah’s significant role in instigating violence against Israeli citizens, remarking on the need for a change in sentiment within Lebanon. With continued Israeli airstrikes aimed at Hezbollah positions, the region remains in a state of tension.
Reuters news agency reports Mr.Lloyd Austin US Secretary of Defense who returned from London, spoke to reporters upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington on Friday (Sept. 27) local time.
“We were not warned in advance. As you know, I was on the phone with Minister Gallant during the operation. This operation (Israel collapse Beirut) just happened two hours ago They are evaluating I don’t have any additional information or clarity for you at this time,” Mr. Austin said, without quantifying the attack. Amid much scrutiny over the fate of the group’s leader, Syed Hassan Nasrallah.Hezbollah
Mr Austin said only that he would speak with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant “soon” to update the situation.
In the past, Mr. Austin has always said thatall out warbetweenIsrael and HezbollahIt will only cause damage to both sides. He called on Friday for diplomacy to resolve the issue.
“Major wars should be avoided. Diplomacy is still the best way. and the fastest way to bring displaced Israeli and Lebanese civilians home on both sides of the border,” said the secretary of defense.
Israeli air defenses intercepted a missile fired from Lebanon as fighting intensified on Israel’s northern border on Wednesday. Reuters reported that Hezbollah said the rocket was aimed at the headquarters of the Israeli spy agency Mossad near Tel Aviv.
Thousands of people have fled southern Lebanon as Israel stepped up its offensive against the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group, resulting in 558 deaths, Lebanon’s health minister said, CNN reported.
Amid two days of intense Israeli attacks, panicked civilians continued to flee southern Lebanon, crowding main roads and gas stations en route to the capital. The United Nations (UN) and Lebanese officials said on Tuesday that 27,000 displaced persons were being held in makeshift shelters, while many others were forced to sleep in cars, parks and on beaches.
Key points
1. An Israeli airstrike killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut on Tuesday, raising fears of an all-out war in the region as cross-border rocket attacks escalated between the two sides. Israel said Qubaisi led the group’s missile and rocket brigade.
2. Since Monday morning, 569 people, including 50 children, have been killed and 1,835 injured in Israeli airstrikes, Health Minister Firaz Abiad reported to Reuters news agency. The current death toll exceeds that of the 2020 Beirut port explosion that killed nearly 200 people, injured thousands and destroyed entire neighborhoods in the Lebanese capital.
3. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib said that he was disappointed with US President Joe Biden’s last speech at the UN General Assembly. However, he insisted that “America is the only country that can really make a difference in the Middle East and in relation to Lebanon.”
Speaking at an event hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in New York City, he emphasized that America is “the key to our salvation.”
In his final speech as US president before the UN General Assembly, Joe Biden called for peace in the Middle East, adding that total war is in no one’s interest.
4. Hezbollah said on Tuesday it had carried out an attack on a naval base on Israel’s northern Mediterranean coast, housing a top Israeli naval commando unit.
The Shayetet 13 unit, which operates from the Atlit naval base, “conducts tactical sabotage operations against enemy lines, including damaging vital structures and enemy ports during wartime,” CNN reported, citing the Israeli military.
5. The British government has advised its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, while moving around 700 troops to Cyprus to bolster its military presence in the Middle East. According to a statement from the UK government on Tuesday, the troops are expected to arrive “in the coming hours”, CNN reported.
The General Security Service announces today (Wednesday) that the target of the bomb attack that happened in Yarkon Park about a year ago is Chief of Staff and former Minister of Defense Moshe Bogi Ya’alon.
As a reminder, on September 15, 2023, an explosive device exploded in Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv with no casualties and the investigation was assigned to the Central Unit of the Tel Aviv District and the Shin Bet. As part of the investigation, it was suspected that the activation of the device was a terrorist attack in an attempt to harm civilians who were in Yarkon Park at the time .
As the investigation progressed, the investigators of the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet succeeded in finding the infrastructure personnel who were involved in burying the Kalimagor bomb and arresting eight suspects.
The understanding of the security forces is that the charge was intended to harm a senior figure. The tests, which included an investigation of cameras in the field around relevant parties who used to visit the area of the attack at the relevant time, led to the conclusion that the target of the attack was the former Chief of Staff and Minister of Defense – Moshe Bogi Ya’alon.
A Hezbollah bomb designed to eliminate a former senior official in the security establishment. It is believed to be the same squad that operated in Yarkon Park a year ago. Photo: Shin Bet Spokesperson
The infrastructure personnel said that they had installed a camera on the cargo body in a way that allowed remote observation of the traffic on the park’s paths. The charge was fired at a figure predicted by the infrastructure to be Moshe Ya’alon, but no one was injured.
As mentioned, intense investigative activity using technological means led to the unraveling of the security affair and the arrest of eight suspects. Their detention was extended from time to time, and a blanket curfew was imposed on the investigation. Today, the publication ban was lifted, and now the details of the investigation and the security affair can be published.
We will recall that yesterday the Shin Bet announced another attempt by Hezbollah to eliminate a former senior official in the security system, whose name has not yet been released. Yesterday’s Shin Bet announcement stated that it is a device similar in characteristics to the Halimgor device that was used by Hezbollah on 9/15/23 in Yarkon Park which Intended to harm an Israeli official. The assessment in the security system is that the Hezbollah elements involved in the current incident were behind the attempted attack in September 2023
What were the details surrounding the foiled terror plot against Moshe Ya’alon in Yarkon Park?
Table of Contents
Foiled Terror Plot: Hezbollah Targeted Former Israeli Chief of Staff Moshe Ya’alon in Yarkon Park Bombing
In a stunning revelation, the General Security Service (Shin Bet) has announced that the target of the bomb attack that took place in Yarkon Park, Tel Aviv, on September 15, 2023, was none other than former Israeli Chief of Staff and Minister of Defense, Moshe Bogi Ya’alon. The shocking incident, which miraculously resulted in no casualties, was part of a larger terrorist plot orchestrated by the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah.
The Investigation Unfolds
The investigation, led by the Central Unit of the Tel Aviv District and the Shin Bet, initially suspected that the explosion was a terrorist attack aimed at harming civilians in the park. As the probe progressed, Israeli defense forces and Shin Bet investigators worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. Their efforts ultimately led to the arrest of eight suspects, who were found to be part of the infrastructure personnel involved in burying the bomb.
Moshe Ya’alon: The Intended Target
Through extensive analysis of camera footage from the area, investigators were able to identify the intended target of the attack: Moshe Ya’alon, the former Chief of Staff and Minister of Defense. The suspects had installed a camera on the cargo body, allowing them to remotely observe traffic in the park and predict the movements of their target. Fortunately, the bomb failed to detonate in time, and Ya’alon was not injured.
Hezbollah’s Involvement
The Shin Bet believes that the same squad responsible for the Yarkon Park bombing was also behind another failed attempt to eliminate a former senior official in the Israeli security establishment. This latest development highlights the ongoing threat posed by Hezbollah, a militant organization known for its anti-Israeli sentiments and terrorist activities.
Technological Breakthroughs
The success of the investigation can be attributed, in part, to the innovative use of technological means. Advanced forensic analysis and surveillance footage analysis played a crucial role in unraveling the security affair and identifying the suspects. The blanket curfew imposed on the investigation also ensured that the details of the plot remained confidential until the suspects were apprehended and the investigation was complete.
Security Implications
The foiled terror plot has significant implications for Israeli national security. The attempt on Ya’alon’s life serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by Israeli citizens and officials. The incident also underscores the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation between Israeli security agencies in thwarting terrorist plots.
Conclusion
The attempted assassination of Moshe Ya’alon in Yarkon Park serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by terrorist organizations like Hezbollah. The successful investigation and apprehension of the suspects are a testament to the tireless efforts of Israeli security forces and their commitment to protecting the nation. As the Israeli public breathes a collective sigh of relief, the incident also serves as a stark warning of the need for eternal vigilance in the face of terrorism.
Keyword phrases: Yarkon Park bombing, Moshe Ya’alon, Hezbollah, Shin Bet, Israeli security establishment, terrorist plot, national security, counter-terrorism, surveillance footage analysis, forensic analysis.
Meta description: Discover the shocking details of the foiled terror plot to assassinate former Israeli Chief of Staff Moshe Ya’alon in Yarkon Park. Learn how Israeli security forces thwarted the attack and identified the suspects, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Hezbollah.
What was the motive behind the Hezbollah planned attack on Moshe Ya’alon in Yarkon Park?
Foiled Terror Plot: Hezbollah Targeted Former Israeli Chief of Staff Moshe Ya’alon in Yarkon Park Bombing
In a shocking revelation, the General Security Service (Shin Bet) has announced that the target of the bomb attack that took place in Yarkon Park, Tel Aviv, on September 15, 2023, was none other than former Israeli Chief of Staff and Minister of Defense, Moshe Bogi Ya’alon. The investigation, which was carried out by the Central Unit of the Tel Aviv District and the Shin Bet, revealed that the explosive device was intended to harm a senior figure, and after a thorough analysis of camera footage and other evidence, it was concluded that the target was indeed Moshe Ya’alon.
The Incident and Investigation
On September 15, 2023, an explosive device exploded in Yarkon Park, Tel Aviv, with no casualties reported. The investigation was immediately launched, and it was suspected that the activation of the device was a terrorist attack aimed at harming civilians who were in the park at the time. As the investigation progressed, the security forces succeeded in identifying the infrastructure personnel involved in burying the Kalimagor bomb and arresting eight suspects.
The Hezbollah Connection
The Shin Bet announced that the explosive device used in the Yarkon Park bombing was designed by Hezbollah, a terrorist organization known for its anti-Israel activities. The same squad that operated in Yarkon Park a year ago is believed to be behind another attempted attack on a former senior official in the security system, whose name has not been released.
The Modus Operandi
The infrastructure personnel involved in the plot had installed a camera on the cargo body, allowing remote observation of the traffic on the park’s paths. The charge was fired at a figure predicted by the infrastructure to be Moshe Ya’alon, but fortunately, no one was injured. The use of advanced technology, including camera footage analysis, played a crucial role in unraveling the security affair and identifying the suspects.
The Arrests and Investigation
The suspects, whose detention was extended from time to time, were arrested after an intense investigative activity using technological means. A blanket curfew was imposed on the investigation, which was only lifted recently, allowing the details of the investigation and the security affair to be published.
The Bigger Picture
This foiled terror plot highlights the ongoing threat posed by Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations to Israeli citizens and senior officials. It is a testament to the vigilance and expertise of the Israeli security forces that the attack was thwarted, and the suspects were identified and arrested.
Key Takeaways
The target of the bomb attack in Yarkon Park on September 15, 2023, was former Israeli Chief of Staff and Minister of Defense, Moshe Bogi Ya’alon.
The explosive device was designed by Hezbollah, a terrorist organization known for its anti-Israel activities.
The investigation, which was carried out by the Central Unit of the Tel Aviv District and the Shin Bet, succeeded in identifying the infrastructure personnel involved in the plot and arresting eight suspects.
The use of advanced technology, including camera footage analysis, played a crucial role in unraveling the security affair and identifying the suspects.
this foiled terror plot serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organizations to Israeli citizens and senior officials. It is a testament to the bravery and expertise of the Israeli security forces that the attack was thwarted, and the suspects were identified and arrested.