Lebanon
“For too long, the Lebanese people were denied a governing body that could unite the country and rebuild institutions,” said the U.S. State Department.
The post constituted a violation of the truce between Jerusalem and Beirut.
The strike was conducted after the terrorist was identified operating in violation of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
Countering claims by former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the Mossad chief said that the operation was far more effective than it would have been if conducted months earlier.
“We will not allow southern Syria to become Southern Lebanon,” said Israel Katz, the Israeli defense minister.
Loyalty to Hezbollah will wane when its followers realize that “it can no longer offer them financial, political, or security benefits.”
Israeli troops will remain in key territories in Lebanon until the Lebanese army fulfills the terms of the truce agreement, said the Israeli premier.
Residents displaced by the war with Hezbollah are scheduled to return home on March 2.
The Hezbollah leader was killed in the course of “several simultaneous strikes,” the Israeli military said.
“You will specialize in funerals—and we will specialize in victories,” said Defense Minister Israel Katz.
“We will uphold trust and walk on this path, we will uphold your will,” Qassem said of Hassan Nasrallah.
The Israeli military vowed to “prevent any attempt by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to rebuild its forces.”
