JERUSALEM – In a dramatic announcement on September 28, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel has “settled the score” following the targeted air strike that resulted in the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.

This operation, deemed critical by the Israeli government, was couched in terms of justice and security against a backdrop of long-standing grievances linked to terrorism.

In his statement, Netanyahu fiercely criticized Nasrallah, labeling him as responsible for the deaths of numerous Israelis and citizens from multiple nations, including an alarming toll of hundreds of Americans and dozens of French nationals.

Netanyahu made a poignant reference to the devastating bombings of 1983 in Beirut that targeted U.S. installations, resulting in the deaths of 63 people at the U.S. Embassy and 241 U.S. Marines as well as 58 French paratroopers.

“While Nasrallah was alive, he posed an enduring threat that would allow Hezbollah to regain lost operational capabilities,” Netanyahu asserted.

He emphasized that the mission to eliminate Nasrallah was a decisive move to alter the strategic landscape in the region.

“So, I gave the order – and Nasrallah is no longer with us,” he added.

This action is part of a broader Israeli military strategy, which Netanyahu claims is on the verge of a “historic turning point” in its ongoing conflicts.

Despite facing mounting criticism domestically and internationally regarding his war policies, particularly in light of ongoing fighting in Gaza, Netanyahu argued that the removal of Nasrallah was fundamental to Israel’s objectives.

He stated, “The elimination of Nasrallah is a necessary condition for achieving our goals: ensuring the safe return of the residents of northern Israel to their homes and altering the power dynamics within the region for the long term.”

The Prime Minister also suggested that this development would aid in the efforts to retrieve hostages taken by Hamas during the surprise attack on October 7, reinforcing the strategic linkage between Hezbollah and Hamas in the eyes of Israeli leadership.

“As Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar witnesses the diminished capacity of Hezbollah to intervene, this increases our leverage in negotiations for the return of our captives,” Netanyahu concluded.

With a firm spirit, he declared, “We are winning. We are committed to relentlessly striking our enemies, facilitating the return of our own people to safety, and ensuring that every hostage is brought home. We do not forget them for a moment.”

What will the future hold for Israeli security efforts and regional diplomacy following this bold move? Stay tuned as the story continues to unfold.