Israel performed a highly unconventional high-profile operation today, executing a gameday-like flyover of Hezbollah’s deceased leader Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral in Lebanon. The operation utilized two F-35Is and two F-15Is, sending an intimidating reminder to the Iranian-backed group and its tens of thousands of supporters.
Nasrallah was killed in a mass strike by the Israeli Air Force nearly five months ago, but the war kept a full public funeral from happening. Israel released footage of the bombardment today for the first time, revealing that dozens of JDAMs with BLU-109/B warheads were used to devastate an underground bunker and command center beneath a residential area in suburban Beirut.
The flyover also came amid multiple airstrikes carried out by Israel on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The operation serves as a reminder of Israel’s total aerial supremacy over the region, particularly after the regime change in Syria that left Israeli air defenses largely intact. Despite its uniqueness, the flyover poses significant risks due to small arms fire or sudden mechanical issues.
Hezbollah’s Secretary General Naim Qassem addressed the public remotely during the funeral, vowing to follow Nasrallah’s example despite facing challenges. The group has been significantly degraded by Israel’s campaign against it, with much of its leadership killed and its capabilities severely impacted.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was signed in November, but the flyover suggests that tensions remain high.
Source: https://www.twz.com/air/israel-performs-parade-like-fighter-jet-flyover-for-arch-enemys-funeral