Israel considered attacking Nasrallah's funeral, says Halevi
Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi hinted before Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's funeral on Sunday that the Israeli army was considering an attack on the event, Israel’s Channel 14 has reported.
"I'll be in the car outside for 10-15 minutes, in consultation. Want to guess about what? About Nasrallah's funeral -- we're undecided," a smiling Halevi told the cadets at the 1st Infantry Division.
Halevi then asked the audience: "What are we undecided about?" The answer was: "To attack." Halevi smiled and added: "You understand. Who's in favor?"
Four Israeli planes flew twice at a very low altitude over the funeral on Sunday, creating a rumbling noise over the event and across Beirut and its suburbs, as tens of thousands attended Nasrallah's funeral at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium near the capital.
As the warplanes returned for a second round of mock raids over the funeral and the capital, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said they were sending a "clear message" to anyone threatening Israel.
"Israeli Air Force planes currently flying over Beirut during the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah are sending a clear message: Anyone who threatens to destroy Israel and attacks Israel -- this will be their end," Katz said in a statement.
Nasrallah was killed in a massive Israeli strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut in September when over 80 tons of bombs were dropped on Hezbollah’s headquarters. Many Hezbollah officials and members, a number of civilians and a senior Iranian general were also killed in the attack.
Israel also assassinated Nasrallah’s successor Sayyed Hashem Safieddine in a similar fashion a few days later.
Source: Naharnet
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