In 1992, after the assassination of Hezbollah’s then-leader Abbas al-Musawi by an Israeli airstrike, Nasrallah was appointed as the new secretary-general. Under his leadership, Hezbollah expanded its influence, acquiring more sophisticated weaponry and building a formidable military presence in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Withdrawal and 2006 Lebanon War
One of Nasrallah’s most significant achievements was Hezbollah’s role in forcing Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon in 2000, ending an 18-year occupation. The withdrawal was widely seen in Lebanon as a victory for Hezbollah, and the date of Israel’s departure is commemorated annually as a public holiday.
Nasrallah gained a reputation as a charismatic leader, and Hezbollah carefully cultivated his image through media channels. However, his leadership also attracted criticism, particularly following the events leading up to the 2006 Lebanon War.
In July 2006, Hezbollah conducted a cross-border raid into Israel, capturing two Israeli soldiers. Israel responded with a large-scale military operation, resulting in a 34-day war that caused significant destruction in Lebanon. Although Hezbollah suffered losses, Nasrallah declared the war a victory, asserting that it had demonstrated Hezbollah’s ability to withstand Israeli military might. However, some within Lebanon criticized Hezbollah for provoking the conflict and causing widespread devastation.