Tel Aviv: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday claimed that Israeli forces have successfully targeted and eliminated the potential successor to Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, during the precision strikes on Beruit.
In a video message, Netanyahu said, “We’ve degraded Hezbollah’s capabilities. We took out thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah himself and Nasrallah’s replacement, and the replacement of the replacement.”
He further attributed Lebanon’s downfall to “a gang of tyrants and terrorists” and highlighted Iran’s assistance to Hezbollah.
“Iran finances and arms Hezbollah to serve Iran’s interests at Lebanon’s expense. Hezbollah has turned Lebanon into a stockpile of ammunition and weapons and a forward Iranian military base. Just one day after the October 7 massacre a year ago, Hezbollah joined the war against Israel. It launched an unprovoked attack on our cities and on our citizens. It has since fired over 8,000 missiles at Israel killing civilians without distinctions, Jews, Christians, Muslims and Druze,” the Israeli PM said.
He further emphasised his decision to end this and return people safely to their homes. Netanyahu asserted that “Israel will win.”
“Israel has decided to put an end to this. We’ve decided to do whatever is necessary to return our people safely to their homes. Israel has a right to defend itself. Israel also has a right to win. And Israel will win.”
‘It’s Your Choice’: Netanyahu’s Message to Lebanon
Amid the rising tensions in the Middle East, Netanyahu in a separate video stated Lebanese saying, “Today, Hezbollah is weaker than it’s been for many, many years. Now you, the Lebanese people, you stand at a significant crossroads. It is your choice. You can now take back your country. You can return it to a path of peace and prosperity. If you don’t, Hezbollah will continue to try to fight Israel from densely populated areas at your expense. It doesn’t care if Lebanon is dragged into a wider war.”
Netanyahu questioned the value of continued conflict, asking Lebanese parents, “Is it worth it?” He emphasised the potential for a better future, restoring Lebanon to its former tranquillity.
“You deserve a Lebanon that is different. One country, one flag, one people. Don’t let these terrorists destroy your future any more than they’ve already done. Stand up and take your country back,” he further said.
