IOF warplanes did not deter participants in Nasrallah's funeral: Media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
23 Feb 2025 23:35

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth described the event as a demonstration of Hezbollah’s strength, noting that it was "the largest funeral prayer held in Lebanon in 20 years."

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Israeli Air Force F-15 and F-35 fighter aircraft fly over Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium on the outskirts of Beirut on February 23, 2025 during the funeral of Hezbollah leaders Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine (Photo by IBRAHIM AMRO / AFP)

Israeli media extensively covered the funeral procession of Hezbollah leaders martyrs Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, held on Sunday in Beirut, with several Israeli channels broadcasting the ceremony live.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth described the event as a demonstration of Hezbollah’s strength, noting that it was "the largest funeral prayer held in Lebanon in 20 years."

The newspaper also highlighted the slogan raised by participants, "The battle against arrogance will not stop," and reported that the heavy presence of Israeli warplanes over Beirut did not deter the massive public turnout.

According to the newspaper, in an attempt to affect this show of strength, four Israeli warplanes—two F-15s and two F-35s—flew at low altitude over Beirut during the ceremony.

For the second time, Israeli warplanes flew at a very low altitude in an unsuccessful attempt to spread fear among those who gathered in the funeral procession of Sayyed Hassan and Sayyed Hashem.#Lebanon #AlMayadeen pic.twitter.com/WyCd89Sfll
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 23, 2025

Meanwhile, Maariv indicated that "the Lebanese were undeterred by the overflights and participated in the funeral prayer."

What drew even greater attention from Israeli media were the chants of the funeral participants.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the crowds shouted slogans of resistance, including "Labbyaka ya Nasrallah" [here we respond to your call, O Nasrallah]," and "Death to America! Death to Israel!," underscoring their unwavering allegiance to Hezbollah’s leadership and objectives.

Israeli fighter jets flew at low altitude over Beirut on Sunday, blatantly violating the ceasefire agreement as tens of thousands gathered to mourn Hezbollah's two late secretaries generals.

The jets circled the skies above the Camille Chamoun Sports City stadium, where mourners, carrying pictures of Sayyed Nasrallah and Hezbollah flags, honored the beloved leader.

The provocative flyover was seen as an attempt to intimidate those paying their respects, with Israeli news outlets openly boasting about the display.

Security Minister Israel Katz openly admitted the intention behind the flyover, stating, "The Israeli Air Force jets currently circling the skies of Beirut over Hassan Nasrallah's funeral are sending a clear message: Whoever threatens to destroy Israel and attacks Israel - that will be their end. You will be busy with funerals - and we will be busy with victories."