The IDF said on Saturday that it can confirm the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in the strike on Beirut on Friday.
"Following precise intelligence from the IDF and Israeli security establishment, IAF fighter jets conducted a targeted strike on the Central Headquarters of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which was located underground embedded under a residential building in the area of Dahieh in Beirut," the military said in a statement.
"The strike was conducted while Hezbollah’s senior chain of command was operating from the headquarters and advancing terrorist activities against the citizens of the State of Israel."
The announcement went on to say Nasrallah was responsible for the murder of many Israeli civilians and soldiers, and the planning and execution of thousands of terrorist activities.
"He was responsible for directing and executing terrorist attacks around the world in which civilians of various nationalities were murdered. Nasrallah was the central decision-maker and the strategic leader of the organization," the military said. "The IDF will continue operating against anyone who promotes and engages in terrorism against the State of Israel and its people."
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Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Air Force chief Tomer Bar during the attack on Hezbollah's bunker in Beirut
(Photo: IDF)
Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said more options remained in Israel's toolbox in the fight against Hezbollah. The message is clear, whoever threatens Israeli citizens, we will reach, in the north, south and and beyond," he said in a statement soon after the military confirmed Nasrallah's death. "This strike was prepared overtime and executed well and in a timely fashion. We are now moving on to the next stage. We are in peak readiness on all fronts," he said.
The Air Force had prepared synchronized operations, working around the clock to eliminate senior members of Hezbollah, whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Bunker-busting bombs were selected to target Nasrallah's bunker. The images from the scene showed pillars of fire as the result of the attack while surrounding buildings were mostly unharmed, to minimize collateral damage.