Hezbollah’s new leader vows to uphold Nasrallah’s legacy in defiant speech as Israel strikes targets across Lebanon, escalating tensions in the region

Tens of thousands of mourners packed the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut on Sunday for the funeral of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, chanting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans as Israeli warplanes flew low overhead. The mass gathering came amid heightened tensions, with Israel launching fresh strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

Women wailed as the coffins of Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine—who was also killed in an Israeli airstrike—were paraded through the streets, draped in Hezbollah’s yellow flag. Nasrallah was temporarily buried next to his son before his official funeral was scheduled, delayed due to Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon following last year’s war.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the overflights as a “clear message” to Hezbollah. “Whoever threatens to destroy Israel—it will be their end,” he declared. Meanwhile, Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah weapons sites, responding to recent rocket attacks from Lebanon.

Addressing the crowd via video from an undisclosed location, Hezbollah’s newly appointed leader, Naim Qassem, pledged to continue Nasrallah’s mission. “The resistance is not over,” he proclaimed. “We will uphold trust and walk this path.” Qassem also took aim at the United States, warning Washington not to interfere in Lebanese affairs.

Despite the ceasefire in place since November, Israeli forces remain in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon, which Hezbollah deems an occupation. “We will not submit, and we will not tolerate further aggression,” Qassem warned.

The funeral drew unprecedented crowds, with estimates varying widely. AFP reported that the 78,000-capacity stadium was packed, while a Lebanese official speaking to AP claimed the total attendance exceeded 450,000. Hezbollah deployed 25,000 stewards for crowd control, alongside thousands of security personnel.

As Nasrallah’s past speeches blared from loudspeakers, men, women, and children gathered in the cold, raising their fists in defiance. “We are at your service, Nasrallah!” they chanted. “We are loyal to the promise!”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, widely seen as a more moderate figure, chose not to attend the funeral personally, instead sending Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri as his representative. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam was also absent, with only a minister representing his government.

Iran sent a high-level delegation, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. In a meeting with Aoun before the funeral, Ghalibaf reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to Lebanon’s reconstruction and Hezbollah’s cause.

Meanwhile, Israel released new footage of its devastating September 27 airstrike, which killed Nasrallah and more than 20 senior Hezbollah commanders. The footage showed multiple Israeli warplanes dropping 82 bombs on Hezbollah’s main underground headquarters in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, flattening several buildings.

As tensions mount, the region braces for the next phase of the long-running conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides showing no sign of backing down.