THE EARLY PHOENIX
September 27, 2024
★ ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH WAR
IDF Airstrike Kills Hezbollah Leader Nasrallah, Commanders in Beirut
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) successfully targeted Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut’s Dahiya neighborhood. Utilizing advanced intelligence, a deception maneuver, including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s US flight, and Military Intelligence capabilities, the IDF struck the Hezbollah leadership. The Israeli army confirmed that it used 80 one-ton bunker-busting bombs, which destroyed the headquarters located under six civilian buildings near UN schools. The GBU-31(v)3’s delayed fuse allows penetration before detonation, aiming to maximize impact on underground targets. Israel’s approach contrasts with U.S. airstrike tactics, with a higher tolerance for collateral damage, supported by precise intelligence and prior evacuation warnings. The activity, part of the “New Order” operation, also killed over 20 senior Hezbollah leaders, including Southern Front commander Ali Karaki and close advisors Ibrahim Hussein Jazini and Samir Tawfiq Dib. Additionally, Zeinab Nasrallah, daughter of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, was reportedly killed. Although unconfirmed, her death could hold symbolic weight for Hezbollah.
IRGC Commander Abbas Nilforoushan Killed in Israeli Beirut Strike
Iran confirmed that Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan, deputy commander of the IRGC for operations, was killed in Israeli airstrikes in Beirut alongside Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. He was responsible on behalf of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards for the operations in Syria and Lebanon. He took up this position only six months ago, after the elimination of Muhammad Raja Zahedi (in the attack on the building next to the Iranian embassy in Damascus on April 1).
4. IDF’s Covert Strikes Continue After Nasrallah’s Assassination
Following the successful targeting of Hassan Nasrallah, the IDF warned civilians to evacuate buildings in Dahieh, Beirut, where Hezbollah stored strategic weapons. The IDF issued statements highlighting their continued precision targeting of Hezbollah infrastructure and differentiation between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah, emphasizing high alert on all fronts. Airstrikes also targeted Hezbollah’s weapon sites in Dahieh’s Laylaki neighborhood, with secondary explosions reported. Besides the attacks in Dahieh, the IDF attacked during the night and the morning, according to Lebanese reports, in 23 different villages in the Beqaa area in Lebanon. The IDF maintained vigilance to prevent weapons smuggling through Beirut’s airport and reiterated its readiness to carry out “small-scale” operations inside Lebanon to dismantle border threats.
Israeli Airstrike Destroys Hezbollah’s Naval Missile Arsenal
Israel confirmed an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburb that destroyed Hezbollah’s naval missile arsenal. Precision strikes targeted six depots, used for missile manufacturing and storage beneath residential buildings. The attack eliminated Iranian-made C704, C802, and Qader missiles, which threatened maritime routes and strategic assets. Following the destruction, the Israeli navy can operate more freely off Lebanon’s coast, potentially imposing a naval blockade if necessary. The airstrike, led by the Air Force, followed resident evacuation warnings and targeted missiles reportedly developed under the Iranian Quds Force’s guidance.
Hezbollah Fires 65 Rockets at Northern Israel After Beirut Strike
Hours after an Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, the group fired 65 rockets at northern Israeli towns, including Safed. Several rockets hit Safed, damaging buildings and lightly injuring a 68-year-old woman. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) responded by striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and deeper within the country, aiming to target rocket launchers and weapon depots. Earlier that day, rockets fired by Hezbollah landed in Haifa, with some intercepted by air defenses and no reported injuries.
Celebrations Erupt Across Middle East Over Nasrallah’s Death
Following the reported assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, celebrations broke out across parts of the Middle East, including Syria and Iran. In Idlib, Syria, activists shared videos on social media, showing public displays of joy, banners expressing gratitude to Israel, and messages directed at Prime Minister Netanyahu, written in Arabic and even Hebrew, thanking him for targeting Nasrallah. Some expressed hopes that the death of Nasrallah would signal a turning point for Syrians and Arabs affected by Hezbollah’s influence, calling it one of the most significant days in their struggle against oppression. Videos from Iran showed women toasting Nasrallah’s killing and thanking Prime Minister Netanyahu, while pro-Shah Iranians gathered in London to celebrate openly. Celebrations in Israel were also reported widely. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that Nasrallah’s elimination was critical for Israel’s goals, allowing displaced northern residents to return home and altering the region’s balance of power. The operation also aims to stop Iranian weapons from reaching Lebanon, further weakening Hezbollah’s influence.
Israeli Cabinet Independently Approves Nasrallah Assassination
Former Intelligence Division Head Aaron Haliva considered the action on October 11, 2023 but stopped due to a White House request. On September 26, 2024, the White House had announced a temporary 21-day cease-fire through a deal developed by France and Arab allies. However, on Thursday night, the Israeli cabinet independently approved the operation based on precise intelligence, without notifying U.S. officials. Prime Minister Netanyahu coordinated from the U.S. alongside Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and Mossad Chief David Barnea. The White House expressed support for the assassination post-operation, with President Biden calling it a “measure of justice.” However, U.S. officials made it clear they were not informed beforehand, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated he learned of the operation while it was underway. President Biden announced the reinforcement of U.S. troops in the Middle East to deter any aggression against Israel and reduce escalation risks. He reaffirmed support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Within eleven days, Israel’s operations in Lebanon had culminated in the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with most senior commanders. The deadly pager explosions on September 18 left thousands permanently injured, followed by the detonation of walkie-talkies that killed and neutralized many. Prominent targets eliminated included Ibrahim Aqil, leader of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, and missile unit head Ibrahim Qubaisi.
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This report was finalized on October 6, 2024, due to scheduling adjustments.
