Hezbollah Commemorates Nasrallah as Netanyahu Highlights His Killing
Hezbollah supporters gathered in Beirut and Baghdad to mark two years since an Israeli airstrike killed Hassan Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a campaign video citing the 2024 pager operation and Nasrallah's elimination ahead of Israel's October 27 election. The article says Hezbollah has been significantly weakened since the strike.
On September 27, 2024, Israeli aircraft struck an underground Hezbollah command complex in southern Beirut with dozens of bunker-penetrating munitions. The raid killed Hassan Nasrallah, his successor Hashem Safieddine, and other senior leaders. The article says Hezbollah has since been significantly weakened.
Two years later, supporters gathered at Nasrallah’s mausoleum near Beirut’s airport road and in Baghdad. They carried yellow Hezbollah flags, Lebanese flags, portraits, and a banner expressing longing for him. Netanyahu marked the date with a campaign post before Israel’s October 27 election, citing the 2024 pager attack and Nasrallah’s killing.
The commemorations could affect Hezbollah supporters and Lebanese communities by reinforcing collective memory and solidarity, while also reminding opponents of the group’s diminished power. In Israel, Netanyahu’s campaign use of the anniversary may keep security and leadership experience central before the October 27 election, potentially shaping voter priorities. In Iraq and the wider region, the event may influence how militias and adversaries assess Hezbollah’s current strength, with possible consequences for stability.