Netanyahu: Airstrike Targets Hezbollah Leader in Beirut

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Hashem Safieddine, the presumed successor to slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. The confirmation comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah's leadership and infrastructure. While Netanyahu claimed that Hezbollah's capabilities have been significantly weakened, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant noted that Safieddine's death is still under investigation, with Hezbollah not yet confirming the incident. Netanyahu's message to the Lebanese people emphasized the opportunity to reclaim their country from Hezbollah's influence. However, skepticism remains about whether the Lebanese public will respond favorably while Israeli military actions continue, displacing over a million people. The Israeli military has also expanded its ground operations, further intensifying the conflict.