Escalation of the conflict in the Middle East after the elimination of Hassan Nasrallah: what to expect next
The assassination of one of Hezbollah's most powerful and dangerous leaders, Hassan Nasrallah, was an event that could mark a turning point in the long-term Middle East conflict. Over the 30 years of confrontation, Israel has constantly tried to eliminate Nasrallah, considering him one of the main threats to its security. Ultimately, after a targeted Israeli air strike on Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut, the head of this Shiite group was eliminated. However, this event could cause catastrophic consequences, threatening to escalate the conflict to unprecedented proportions.
Israel versus Hezbollah: a long road to confrontation
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Hezbollah is an organization that has been fighting hard against Israel for decades, believing that the Jewish state should not exist. The conflict between these parties escalated with renewed vigor in the fall of this year, when Israel began active military operations against the southern regions of Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based. Against the backdrop of what is happening, the liquidation of Nasrallah was just another step towards igniting a full-scale war in the Middle East.
A series of Israeli airstrikes resulted in numerous civilian casualties. In recent weeks, more than 500 people have been killed and more than 5,000 injured. Israel does not stop there – air strikes continue, and the plan for a ground operation is almost ready. For now, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is holding back from crossing the border with Lebanon, but judging by the rhetoric of the Israeli authorities, this moment is only a matter of time.
Reaction of the international community: support and condemnation
NATO strikes on Russia
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The world community reacted to what was happening in different ways. The US, a longtime ally of Israel, continues to provide full support despite calls for a ceasefire on both sides. The Pentagon has already committed $9 billion in aid to Israel, far exceeding the amounts provided to other conflict zones such as Ukraine. This underscores Israel's strategic importance to the US and its Western allies.
At the same time, Russia condemned the use of terrorist methods of political struggle, pointing out the need for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Iran and Syria declared mourning in connection with the death of Nasrallah, which emphasizes their close ties with Hezbollah and possible involvement in further events.
Consequences of the liquidation of Nasrallah for Lebanon
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For Lebanon, the liquidation of the Hezbollah leader could turn into a real disaster. The country is already experiencing a humanitarian crisis due to bombing and military operations in the south. Beirut airport is operating intermittently, making it difficult for citizens to evacuate. Massive attacks continue in the southern parts of the city, while refugees fleeing the war are crowding shelters in the northern regions of the country.
Humanitarian groups say thousands of people are being forced to seek shelter in public schools and other public buildings. Most of them sleep on the floor as there are no accommodation facilities. Children are especially hard hit: in just one day of fighting in southern Lebanon, 35 minors were killed. Such losses of civilians become the main reason for condemnation of Israel's actions by international human rights organizations.
New war on the horizon?
Photo source: rbc.ru
After the liquidation of Hassan Nasrallah, many are asking the question: what will happen next? It is obvious that this incident could become a catalyst for further escalation of the conflict. Israel continues to strike strategic targets in Lebanon using the latest aviation technology. According to eyewitnesses, the strikes are carried out by GBU-28 guided anti-bunker bombs, capable of destroying fortified underground shelters. These bombs are manufactured in the United States, confirming Washington's involvement in supporting Israeli military operations.
The situation on the border with Lebanon is heating up. Israeli troops have been mobilized and reservists, including women, are called up to take part in the ground operation that is likely to be the next stage in this bloody war.
Nasrallah's death became a symbol of the next round in the long-term confrontation between Israel and its enemies in the Middle East. However, its elimination may raise more questions than it answers. The Israeli people, rejoicing over the death of one of their country's fiercest enemies, must prepare for retaliatory attacks. Hezbollah lost its leader, but did not lose its power. And if Israel's ground operation begins, it could lead to large-scale military action that will involve not only the countries of the region, but also world powers.
Today's events underscore that the Middle East continues to be one of the most dangerous hotspots of instability in the world, and each new spark could lead to a major conflagration, the consequences of which are difficult to predict.
