Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi has denounced Israel for flying fighter jets across Beirut during the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed on Sunday, calling it a “act of horror.” is.
The Israeli Defense Minister said the Jets were “a surely intended to send a clear message.”
Newsweek is reaching out to the Israeli Defense Forces for comment via email.
Why is it important?
The funeral was a major event in the area. Hundreds of thousands of mourners filled the stadiums in Beirut and nearby streets to pay tribute to Nasrala.
Under his leadership, Hezbollah became a powerful force in the Middle East and a key player in Iran’s “axis of resistance” including the Palestinian factions fighting to eliminate Iraq, Yemen and Israel .
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What do you know
Nasrara was killed in an Israeli airstrike almost five months ago, targeting the Hezbollah operational office in Beirut, causing a major blow to Iran-backed groups. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire, tensions between Hezbollah and Israel remained high, and Iran’s criticism of Israeli overpasses shows continued support for Hezbollah.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel had to withdraw from South Lebanon by January 26th. However, the deadline was extended until February 18th after Israel failed to fully comply. Israeli forces retreated from several towns in southern Lebanon last week, but retained military presence at post bases in front of five borders.
Israeli jets jump over funerals
During the funeral, the Israeli jet flew at a low altitude over Beirut. Iran and Hezbollah were accused of blackmail tactics. Araghchi, who was present, criticized the manipulation. “If it’s not an act of terror, what is it?” he said in a post on his X account. There, video of an Israeli fighter jet flying at the funeral was also embedded.
I was proud and honored to join hundreds of thousands of mourners in Beirut today and say goodbye to Saeed Hassan Nasrara. The young and enthusiastic Lebanese sea filled the stadium and its surroundings, paying homage to the great leader of resistance.
Me too…pic.twitter.com/nzbvqters8
– February 23, 2025, Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi)
Iran’s supreme leaders are seeking resistance
Meanwhile, Iran’s highest leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed to continue resistance to Israel. “The enemy should know that resistance to seizing, oppression, and arrogance is never ending and will continue until the desired goal is achieved,” he added. Khamenei also praised Nasrala as “a prominent leader in the great mujahids (fighter jets).”.
What people are saying
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut said about X:
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said, “The Israeli Air Force aircraft currently flying across Beirut at Hassan Nasrara’s funeral will deliver a clear message: those threatening to destroy Israel and attack Israel; It will be their end. You specialize in funerals, and we will win.”
Hassan Ammar/AP Photo
What will happen next
Tensions remain high as Israel maintains its military presence in its main Lebanon border position and Iran reaffirms its support for Hezbollah. Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah could rekindle despite a ceasefire, but Israel is reportedly considering an attack on Iran’s nuclear program.
