Hamas May Emerge Battered, but Not Beaten, From Israel’s Latest Blows
New York TimesJul 21
Hezbollah Leader Pledges 'Strong' Response to Commander Killing
Above: Supporters listen to Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah via a video link during a ceremony to mark the first week since the killing of Hezbollah's top commander Fuad Shukr on August 06, 2024 in Beirut, Lebanon. Image copyright: Chris McGrath/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
During a speech on Tuesday, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said that Israel's killing of top commander Fuad Shukr last week will elicit a "strong response" and "must be treated differently" following the strike that occurred in Beirut's southern suburbs.
Nasrallah also said that, regardless of the consequences, it must punish Israel for the killing, indicating that the response will either be undertaken by Hezbollah on its own or alongside other Iranian-backed groups. He added that Shukr's death was a big loss but did not change the course of the war.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, preserve Israel's security, and create a better "day after" in Gaza without Hamas in power. The US will continue to work toward closing the gaps and ensuring that peace and stability can be restored to the region.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel wants to make a deal and get its hostages back, but it cannot allow Hamas to stay in power. If Hamas is allowed to remain in power in Gaza, the group will immediately begin planning the next Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Though there are pressures at home and abroad to end the war prematurely, Israel must do what is best for its citizens.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Israel's aggressive posture only demonstrates that it is a rogue state that would rather light the region on fire than stop its genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Netanyahu continues to engage in provocative acts because he has failed to achieve his political and military objectives. While Netanyahu extends the war to ensure his political survival, the US continues to support Israel with a blank check and obfuscate its role in the carnage.
Narrative D
Hezbollah and the regional resistance's primary goal has always been to end the war in Gaza, not start a far larger regional conflict. Nonetheless, Israel's aggression against Beirut and Hamas' political leadership must be responded to.