Two Years After Nasrallah's Killing, Israel's Victory Assessed

Two years after Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27, 2024, in a strike on the organization's headquarters in Beirut, the group still possesses significant weaponry, funding, and operational capabilities. The assassination, which occurred after 32 years of Nasrallah's leadership, is considered a historic achievement but one whose full impact is still unfolding. Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli bombing of an underground command center in southern Beirut. His death removed a central figure who embodied Hezbollah's military strength, political authority, and ties to Iran, and who had made critical decisions during times of internal dispute.

Under Nasrallah's leadership, Hezbollah significantly expanded its operations beyond Lebanon, attacking Israel starting October 8, 2023, opening a northern front that displaced tens of thousands of Israelis. The organization also maintained an independent military force and engaged in regional conflicts. International sanctions have targeted Hezbollah's financial networks, including alleged involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering in Latin America, stemming from incidents like the 1994 AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires.

The assassination was the culmination of an intelligence operation that began with the targeting of Hezbollah's communication devices on September 17, 2024, followed by explosions of radios the next day, revealing deep Israeli infiltration. This security breach escalated into a leadership crisis, with subsequent strikes on commanders and finally Nasrallah. While the operation is hailed as a major intelligence success, it also raised questions about adherence to international law and the human cost, as civilians were reportedly killed or injured.

Despite the success, the article notes that claims of widespread Israeli opposition to acknowledging the achievement are unfounded. Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz publicly congratulated the security forces and the IDF following Nasrallah's killing, calling it an important achievement for security and deterrence. The debate, the article suggests, lies more in the political significance attributed to the victory rather than its acknowledgment.

Two years on, Hezbollah continues to operate, with the IDF reporting ongoing attacks in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese army has seized weapons in some areas but blames Israeli actions for hindering its mission, indicating that the Lebanese state has not yet established a monopoly on the use of force. The U.S. Treasury has continued to impose sanctions on Hezbollah's funding mechanisms, highlighting the organization's ongoing financial activities through gold trading, shell companies, and regional trade routes. The article concludes that while Nasrallah's death was a severe blow, Hezbollah's capabilities and standing remain a focus of struggle, and a lasting victory will require dismantling its arms stockpiles, cutting off its finances, and restoring Lebanese state control.