Overview
Targeted Assassinations: Hassan Nasrallah Eliminated: Israel successfully eliminated Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah and additional high-ranking Hezbollah figures, including its air unit commander and the missile and rocket force commander, in targeted strikes in Lebanon.
International Reactions: The U.S., Russia, and Turkey issued strong responses to the assassination of Nasrallah, with the U.S. calling it a “measure of justice,” while Russia and Turkey condemned the action.
Hamas Leadership Security Changes: Following the assassination of Hezbollah’s leader Nasrallah, Hamas has revised its security protocols, restricting the movements of leaders like Yahya Sinwar in Gaza.
Tensions in Judea & Samaria: An Arab-Israeli attempted to attack a soldier, and Israeli forces raided Al Jazeera’s Ramallah offices, prompting condemnation from the Palestinian Authority.
UN General Assembly: Palestinian leaders, including Mahmoud Abbas, addressed the UN, calling for an end to Israeli “aggression” and demanding accountability of alleged Israeli war crimes. Iran’s leadership condemned Israeli actions and continues to support Hezbollah, while Iranian officials have engaged in secret talks with Russia and Yemen regarding missile transfers. Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s fight for survival and desire for peace
U.S. Military Aid: Israel secured an $8.7 billion U.S. aid package for military operations, including funds for air defense systems including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and a laser defense system.
UNRWA Corruption Allegations: A Palestinian social media influencer accused senior UNRWA officials in Gaza of diverting resources, with video evidence supporting claims of corruption in aid distribution.
Key Terrorists Eliminated in Gaza: The IDF and Shin Bet killed key terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre, including two leaders facilitating weapons transfers and attacks in Rafah.
Lebanon – Hezbollah – Iranian Proxy
A Week of intense airstrikes leading up to the targeting of Hassan Nasrallah.
September 24
The IDF announced that on September 24, 2024, a targeted airstrike in Dahiya, Beirut, eliminated Ibrahim Mohammad Kabisy, Hezbollah’s missile and rocket force commander, along with other senior figures. Kabisy, who oversaw Hezbollah’s missile units, including precision-guided missiles, was responsible for numerous attacks on Israel. He had been a central figure in Hezbollah since joining in the 1980s, holding senior roles in operations in southern Lebanon and planning numerous terror attacks against Israel.
September 25
- Hezbollah launched a surface-to-surface missile at the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, Gush Dan, on the morning of September 25, which was intercepted by the IDF. This attack, targeting Israel’s economic capital, holds symbolic significance as Hezbollah has long threatened to strike the city. The timing coincided with the one-year anniversary of the October 7 events, reflecting Hezbollah’s use of symbolic gestures in its psychological warfare.
- Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the missile attack, alleging it targeted Mossad headquarters. The group stated the facility was responsible for disrupting communications and eliminating senior officials.
- Hezbollah reported the death of Abbas Ibrahim Sharaf al-Din, bringing the group’s total casualties to 509 since the conflict began. Lebanese outlet Al-Mayadeen reported that Hezbollah may expand its attacks to additional Israeli cities, including Haifa, Israel’s third largest city.
September 26
- The IDF dismantled a Hezbollah intelligence network that utilized fake social media profiles to gather sensitive information from soldiers. The militants posed as IDF soldiers and built personal relationships to extract military data.
- Mohammad Hussein Sarour, commander of Hezbollah’s air unit, was killed in a targeted IDF airstrike in Beirut. Sarour, a leading figure in Hezbollah’s aerial terror attacks, played a critical role in drone and missile strikes against Israel and advised Yemen’s Houthi regime on air defense systems.
Elimination of Hassan Nasrallah
The End of a 32-Year Reign of Terror by Hezbollah’s Leader
In a major announcement, the IDF confirmed that in an airstrike on Friday in Beirut’s Dahiya neighborhood, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah was killed. Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah’s efforts against Israel for decades, was eliminated alongside Ali Karaki, Hezbollah’s southern front commander, and other senior officials. The operation, named “Operation New Order,” involved the use of over 80 one-ton bombs on Nasrallah’s bunker, with intelligence support from the IDF and security agencies.
The IDF emphasized Nasrallah’s role in orchestrating terror attacks against Israel and globally during his 32 years as Hezbollah’s leader. Hezbollah formally entered the war against Israel on October 8, escalating attacks against civilians. The IDF reiterated its commitment to targeting all individuals involved in terrorism.
Responses
Shortly after 6:00 PM, Israeli jets dropped bombs, including bunker-busting munitions, on Nasrallah’s underground bunker. Precise intelligence located Nasrallah in Dahiya, and the Air Force had been ready for the strike in advance. The operation caused minimal damage to surrounding buildings, highlighting meticulous planning to avoid civilian casualties.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hailed the elimination of Nasrallah as a “historic counter-terrorism operation.” He stated that the action settled a long-standing account with Nasrallah, who was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Israelis, sending a clear message across the Middle East that anyone waging war against Israel will pay a heavy price.
Benjamin Netanyahu In said in his speech on September 28, 2024, that the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was a decisive victory, describing him as the architect of Iran’s efforts to destroy Israel. Netanyahu stressed that Nasrallah’s death was critical to preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities and shifting the balance of power in the region. He also issued a warning to Iran, asserting that “there’s nowhere beyond our reach” and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to defeating its enemies
Hamas mourned Nasrallah, praising his legacy of sacrifice for Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque. The group stressed that Israel’s assassinations would not weaken resistance in Lebanon or Palestine.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei praised Nasrallah as a symbol of resistance, warning Israel that Lebanon would make it regret its actions. Khamenei emphasized that resistance against Israel would intensify.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that Nasrallah’s death would lead to the expansion of resistance and the eventual liberation of Jerusalem. Iranian media responded to Nasrallah’s death by inciting calls for the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iran announced five days of mourning for Nasrallah. Meanwhile, Abbas Nilforushan, a senior commander of Iran’s Quds Force in Lebanon, was also confirmed killed in the Dahiya strike.
American Response: President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris referred to Israel’s strike resulting in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as a “measure of justice.”
Russian Response: The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement warning that this aggressive action risks even greater consequences for Lebanon and the broader Middle East. The ministry criticized Israel, stating that it “could not have failed to recognize the danger” of killing Lebanese citizens, which is likely to provoke further violence. As such, Russia holds Israel fully responsible for the escalation and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.
Turkish Response: Turkey, along with other regional actors, strongly condemned the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called Israel’s actions “inhumane” and stressed the need to stop Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Erdoğan’s remarks were part of a wider regional backlash from countries aligned with Hezbollah, signaling a significant condemnation of Israel’s military operations.
Syrian rebels, particularly in the rebel-held region of Idlib, celebrated the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27, 2024. Many in this area viewed Nasrallah as a key figure supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which has inflicted violence and displacement on rebel forces and civilians. Rebel activists expressed joy, seeing his elimination as a blow to both Hezbollah and Iran’s influence in Syria.
The IDF continues the attack
The IDF took control of Beirut’s airport frequency, preventing the landing of an Iranian plane and threatening force if the directive was not followed. The IDF confirmed the elimination of senior Hezbollah intelligence officer Hassan Khalil Yassin, who was responsible for identifying military and civilian targets. Yassin had been involved in ongoing terror operations and was planning further attacks.
Israel – Domestic, Military/Political
On September 26th, Major General (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Director General of the Ministry of Defense, secured an $8.7 billion U.S. aid package in Washington, D.C., for military operations. The agreement allocates $3.5 billion for urgent procurement transferred during his visit, and $5.2 billion for air defense systems, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the laser defense system. While the U.S. has reportedly withheld one-ton bombs due to IDF activities in Rafah, bombs up to half a ton will be delivered to Israel.
Netanyahu’s UN Speech Summary
On September 27, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly. Representatives of multiple Arab and Muslim nations left the General Assembly hall as Netanyahu began his remarks as a sign of protest. Multiple Arab leaders, most notably Abdullah the King of Jordan, dedicated large parts of their speeches to the situation in Gaza and the Palestinians.
Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s fight for survival and desire for peace, while facing Iran-backed terrorism. He highlighted the progress toward normalization with Saudi Arabia, which was disrupted by the October 7 attacks, where Iranian-backed terrorists killed 1,200 people in atrocities he likened to Nazi Germany.
Netanyahu warned Iran that any attack on Israel would be met with retaliation, stressing that Iran’s aggression threatens the entire region and world. He called for reinstating sanctions to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and rejected the idea of Hamas remaining in power, advocating for peace through civilian governance in Gaza. Lastly, Netanyahu urged continued progress in the Abraham Accords and a historic peace agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Gaza
On September 24th, Palestinian social media influencer Hamza Al-Masri from Gaza alleged that senior UNRWA officials are diverting resources from citizens and warehouses, primarily at night, with video evidence supporting these claims. He also stated that relatives of UNRWA employees manage the distribution of food supplies, and highlighted corruption in the sale of aid packages and fuel intended for shelters, which is allegedly used for private purposes.
The IDF and Shin Bet have eliminated key terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre. According to an IDF statement, a joint operation last week targeted Rafah, resulting in the deaths of Suleiman Jawad Suleiman Abu-Lafi, who facilitated weapons transfers to Gaza and orchestrated attacks in the Judea & Samaria, and his brother, Abdullah Abu-Lafi, an Islamic Jihad operative. Additionally, Israeli Air Force jets carried out precise strikes, neutralizing a Nukhba force commander and another terrorist linked to the October 7 assault.
On September 28, the Saudi network Al-Arabiya reported that Hamas has revised its security protocols for leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza. Hamas seeks guarantees for its leadership’s safety in any future ceasefire. Following Nasrallah’s assassination, Sinwar and senior commanders have suspended movements and halted meetings in Lebanon. Islamic Jihad officials have also stopped movements in Lebanon. Sources added that Hamas is limited to written communication and has relocated within Gaza after Nasrallah’s killing.
Judea & Samaria
September 23 – Stabbing attack at military base in Lachish: An Arab-Israeli worker from Reina attempted to attack a soldier with a hammer at a Central Command base. A nearby soldier shot and killed the attacker. Al Jazeera offices in Ramallah were raided and closed for 45 days by Israeli forces, following a government decision from May 2024. Israeli officials have justified the decision by claiming that Al Jazeera’s reporting supports hostile elements and spreads antisemitic content, which Israel considers harmful to its security interests.
September 25 – Hamas-affiliated media channels call for increased attacks from Judea and Samaria, highlighting the region’s vulnerability: They urged militants to intensify attacks, claiming the occupation is in a state of confusion and fear. They emphasized Judea & Samaria as the weak point and called for relentless resistance until Israel breaks.
September 28 – Hamas-affiliated channels call for a ‘Day of Rage’ on October 4, urging global Muslim participation in marches, especially Palestinians in Judea and Samaria.
Palestinian Authority – Diplomatic Engagements
September 22 – Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa attended the UN General Assembly in New York, meeting global leaders and addressing the Gaza conflict and the overall Palestinian cause. He called for an end to “Israeli aggression” and the implementation of UN resolutions. At an Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee meeting, Mustafa emphasized supporting Palestinian reconstruction efforts in Gaza and the Judea & Samaria following the cessation of “occupation aggression.”
September 23 – Mustafa, speaking at the Non-Aligned Movement, urged member states to convert their “solidarity with Palestine” into political, diplomatic, and legal actions to end the “occupation and apartheid” and achieve a just peace. He called for severing ties with Israeli settlements and halting arms transfers, accusing Israel of attempting to erase Palestinian identity. At the Arab League Council, Mustafa stressed the need for increased efforts to stop Israel’s “aggression” in Gaza and the Judea & Samaria and reiterated the Palestinian pursuit of full UN membership.
September 23 – Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, also in New York for the UN General Assembly, met with international leaders. In talks with ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, Abbas urged faster investigations into alleged Israeli “war crimes” and stressed that lack of accountability fuels continued offenses. Abbas also called for legal action from international bodies to enforce relevant UN resolutions.
In meetings with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abbas reaffirmed Palestinian jurisdiction over Gaza and the Judea & Samaria, praising Egypt’s role in ceasefire efforts and India’s support of Palestinian rights and UNRWA. Abbas also expressed Palestine’s interest in joining BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
In a meeting with World Economic Forum President Børge Brende, Abbas called for international action to end the Gaza conflict, humanitarian aid expansion, and efforts to achieve full Palestinian membership in the UN.
September 26 – Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly, outlining plans for governance of Gaza, the Judea & Samaria, and East Jerusalem after the war. He emphasized the need for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the end of military operations, and a halt to settler violence in the Judea & Samaria and East Jerusalem. Abbas called for consistent humanitarian aid to Gaza and highlighted the Palestinian recognition of Israel, urging a two-state solution with both nations coexisting peacefully.
Abbas referenced the events of October 7, stating that the Palestinian leadership had warned of escalating violence due to the situation in the occupied territories. He called for an immediate halt to the conflict, condemned the killing of civilians on all sides, and demanded the release of prisoners held by both parties. Abbas accused Israel of using the violence as a pretext for what he described as a genocidal war against Gaza.
Abbas criticized the international community’s failure to intervene, specifically blaming the U.S. for using its veto and supplying Israel with weapons. He also condemned calls by an Israeli minister to build a temple on the Al-Aqsa Mosque site, referencing a 1930 League of Nations decision that affirms Al-Aqsa as Muslim property.
Iran
September 23 – Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi stated in an interview that Israel seeks to break its deadlock by escalating the conflict and involving the U.S. and Iran. He stressed that Iran is fully aware of this and will not fall into the trap. Araqchi added that Israel is stuck in the Gaza Strip and has failed to eliminate Hamas after a year of conflict in a small area.
September 24 – Addressing the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pazeshkian accused Israel of committing genocide under the guise of self-defense and killing Iranian ‘guests’. He described Israel’s actions as terrorism, insisting they cannot go unanswered. He called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, asserting that Iran acted in self-defense and seeks peace, not war.
Iranian President on Lebanon and Israel
Iranian President Massoud Pashazyan stressed that Lebanon must not become another Gaza under Israeli control. He stated Hezbollah cannot counter Israel’s advanced weaponry, backed by Western powers, and warned that Iran would respond if international organizations fail to restrain Israel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Hezbollah’s ability to defend Lebanon, claiming it could destroy Israeli bases if necessary. He also emphasized that Arab and Islamic nations must take responsibility in confronting Israel.
Secret Talks on Missile Transfers
On September 24, sources reported that Iran is mediating secret talks between Russia and the Houthis over the possible transfer of Yakhont anti-ship missiles to Yemen. If transferred, these missiles could increase the threat to commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea.
Iran’s Diplomatic “Smile Offensive”
On September 25th, as part of Iran’s “smile offensive,” President Pashazyan met with key leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Turkish President Erdogan, and UN Secretary-General Guterres in New York. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi also met with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
September 25 – Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, stated that “Hezbollah in Lebanon fights in support of Gaza and will not be shaken by targeted assassinations due to its resilience.” He added that “Muslims must reclaim Palestine and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Hezbollah remains victorious, and the final victory belongs to the resistance front.”
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, noted in a Reuters interview that Iranian officials have shown “greater willingness to cooperate” following talks in New York. Grossi plans to visit Iran in October, emphasizing that “Iran’s nuclear program continues at a regular pace,” while aiming to advance diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Western powers.
September 28 – Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was relocated to a secure facility under heightened security measures, according to security sources cited by Reuters. The sources further reported that Iran is maintaining continuous communication with Hezbollah and other regional allies to assess the next course of action following the assassination of Nasrallah.
United States
September 25 – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the Middle East security escalation in an NBC interview, emphasizing Israel’s legitimate concerns and the need for a diplomatic resolution. During a meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministers, he urged partners to press for a Gaza ceasefire, stating this would help secure hostages and reduce tensions.
September 26 – U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin highlighted the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah, warning of the risk of full-scale war but maintaining diplomacy as the best solution. He affirmed the U.S. support for Israel remains unchanged.
September 27 – Former President Donald Trump told Politico that if re-elected, he would prioritize a nuclear agreement with Iran, stating the need to avoid the dire consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran. Secretary Blinken warned in a meeting with Minister Ron Dermer that further conflict escalation would complicate efforts to achieve a peaceful solution.
Inter-Arab
On September 25th, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan—Badr Abdel-Aty, Fuad Hussein, and Ayman Safadi—met during the UN General Assembly in New York. They discussed regional cooperation and preparations for an upcoming Cairo summit. The ministers called on the international community and the UN Security Council to take action to end the Gaza conflict, condemning “Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon” and warning of escalating regional tensions.
Qatar
On September 26, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, stated that Doha does not acknowledge any official connection between the proposed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire with Hamas. He further clarified that “there is currently no formal mediation channel in place for a ceasefire in Lebanon.”
Saudi Arabia
September 27 – Saudi Arabia Forms Global Alliance for Two-State Solution
Saudi Arabia has launched a global alliance to promote a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, announced Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud at the UN General Assembly. The alliance includes Arab, Muslim, and European partners, though specific countries were not named. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell confirmed initial meetings will take place in Riyadh and Brussels. Prince Faisal stated that a two-state solution is key to ensuring security and coexistence for the entire region, including Israel.
Yemen – Houthis – Iranian Proxy
September 22 – Yemeni Defense Minister Al-Atfi threatened that the Houthis would continue to deliver “painful strikes deep within the Zionist enemy,” referencing the UAV attack on Tel Aviv on July 19, 2024, and subsequent launches on Eilat. He emphasized that the Houthis would persist in deploying ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs, warning of many surprises in the prolonged conflict.
September 27 – Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, aligned with Hezbollah, reported that a Yemeni military source claimed Sana’a’s official entry into the conflict with Israel is “a matter of time,” due to Hezbollah’s readiness. The source added that Hezbollah has only used a fraction of its capabilities and is working with Sana’a and Iraq to escalate naval confrontations with Israel and the U.S.
September 27 – Senior Houthi official Nasr al-Din Amer posted on X, referring to the missile launch from Yemen as retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah commander Mohammad Hussein Sarour. Reports from Al-Arabiya indicated that Sarour coordinated Houthi missile launches from Yemen.
Syria + Iraq – Iranian Proxies
September 23 – “Exclusive sources” reported that Iraqi militia leaders met in Baghdad to discuss the situation in Lebanon after escalating Israeli strikes. They agreed to support Hezbollah with personnel and arms and to engage directly if Israel launches a ground invasion. The militias also plan to escalate their operations via missile and drone strikes from Iraq and Syria, targeting U.S. bases and any supporters of the “Zionist entity.”
September 25 – Shiite-affiliated media reported that the Iraqi Al-Hashd al-Shaabi organization is preparing a large aid convoy to be sent to Lebanon.
September 28 – Iraq and Syria announced three days of mourning following the assassination of Nasrallah. On the other hand, celebrations are taking place in northern Syria and among Syrian exiles in Germany.
Celebrations in Idlib, northern Syria:
The signs read:
“Thank you, Netanyahu. Now [we want] the head of the criminal Bashar al-Assad.”
“Thank you, Netanyahu. You’ve warmed the hearts of Syria’s children.”
In London, dozens of Iranian-expats gathered in front of the Israeli Embassy UK to thank Israel for eliminating Nasrallah
International
September 26 – Joint Western-Arab Statement: Call for 21-Day Ceasefire in Lebanon
The United States, EU, and several Arab states issued a joint statement urging Israel and Lebanon to implement a 21-day ceasefire to enable diplomatic efforts. The ceasefire aims to support agreements under UN Security Council Resolutions 1701 (Lebanon) and 2735 (Gaza).