The assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the former Secretary-General of Hezbollah, on September 27, 2024, continues to send ripples through the Middle East. New details,revealed by the Israeli website “Wala,” shed light on a meticulously planned operation spanning several years. The report highlights the crucial role of an Israeli intelligence officer, codenamed “Major G,” in tracking Nasrallah’s movements and ultimately facilitating his demise.
According to the report, “the operation was the result of careful planning that lasted several years.” Major G, a 29-year-old officer, was instrumental in monitoring Nasrallah’s activities. Israeli security sources described Major G as being “considered close to Nasrallah,” constantly observing his routines to identify opportune moments for the strike.
While the pursuit of Nasrallah began after the 2006 Lebanon War, the decision to assassinate him wasn’t made until later. The escalating tensions in Gaza, coupled with Nasrallah’s support for Hamas, spurred Israel to intensify its efforts. The strategy involved a calculated deception, leading Nasrallah to believe that a wider conflict was unlikely.
nasrallah’s September 19th speech, where he vowed to continue fighting unless Israel ceased its actions in Gaza, provided the final catalyst. Israel used this as a pretext to increase pressure on Lebanon. this event, combined with an 18-year intelligence-gathering operation that infiltrated Hezbollah’s ranks, provided the crucial intelligence needed for the operation.
The operation culminated in a precise strike on a residential complex in a Beirut suburb, where Nasrallah was hiding. The Israeli intelligence network had pinpointed his location. The decision to proceed was made by top Israeli officials, including AMAN head Shlomo Bandar, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who all gave their approval.
The attack involved 14 fighter jets carrying 83 packages weighing a total of 80 tons. the strike was executed at precisely 6:21 PM, coinciding with the Maghrib call to prayer. The entire operation, according to the report, lasted a mere 10 seconds.
The assassination of Nasrallah has significant implications for regional stability and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The details of this operation underscore the lengths to which intelligence agencies will go to achieve their objectives, raising questions about the ethical considerations involved in such targeted killings.
Inside the Assassination of Hassan Nasrallah: An Exclusive Interview
The world is still reeling from the shockwaves of Hassan NasrallahS assassination in September of 2024. Today, we delve deeper into this controversial event with Dr. Zeev Ben-Ami, a leading expert on Middle Eastern conflict and terrorism, and former senior intelligence analyst for the Israeli Defense Forces.
David Miller, Senior Editor, World Today News: Dr. Ben-Ami, thank you for joining us today. this assassination has sent shockwaves through the region. Can you help our readers understand the strategic importance of Nasrallah’s killing?
Dr. Zeev Ben-Ami: It’s a major turning point, David. Nasrallah was the figurehead, the undisputed leader of hezbollah for over three decades. His death creates a power vacuum within the organization and throws into question their future strategy. It also significantly alters the balance of power in the region, particularly regarding Israel’s security concerns.
DM: The Israeli website “Wala” recently published a detailed report claiming that the assassination was the result of an incredibly long and meticulous intelligence operation. Can you shed some light on what you know about this?
ZB: While I can’t confirm the specifics of intelligence operations, it’s widely known that Israeli intelligence agencies have dedicated considerable resources to monitoring Hezbollah for years. Nasrallah was a high-value target, and eliminating him would have been a top priority. The scale and precision of the attack, as described in the report, suggests a deep understanding of nasrallah’s routines and security protocols.
DM: The report mentions an intelligence officer codenamed “Major G” who played a central role in tracking Nasrallah. How common is it for intelligence services to cultivate such close insider access?
ZB: It’s extremely rare and incredibly risky. Building trust and maintaining secrecy over such a long period is a monumental task. But in cases where a target is as meaningful as Nasrallah,intelligence agencies will exhaust every avenue,including high-risk operations involving human intelligence.
DM: The assassination came at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas. Was ther a direct link between these events, and did Nasrallah’s support for Hamas contribute to his fate?
ZB: Undoubtedly, the escalating conflict in Gaza played a role. Nasrallah’s unwavering support for Hamas and his public threats against Israel likely contributed to the decision to eliminate him as a threat. Israel views Hezbollah as a hazardous proxy of Iran and a significant threat to its security. Silencing Nasrallah sends a clear message to Iran and its allies.
DM: The ethical implications of targeted assassinations are always complex and debated.Where do you stand on the morality of such actions?
ZB: It’s a morally gray area, David. On one hand, you have the right of a nation to protect itself from perceived threats. On the other, targeted killings raise serious concerns about due process and the potential for unintended consequences. The debate surrounding this issue is sure to continue.
DM: Dr. Ben-Ami, thank you for your insightful analysis. This is undeniably a momentous event with far-reaching consequences for the region. We will continue to follow developments closely.
