Israel confirmed on October 22 that Hashem Safieddine, a key leader in Hezbollah and considered the heir to Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in a strike three weeks ago in Beirut. This marks Israel`s first acknowledgment of his death, which they had previously suggested might have happened during an airstrike. Safieddine was important for Hezbollah, overseeing military and financial operations, and representing the group in public as Nasrallah avoided appearances for safety. His death could significantly impact Hezbollah`s leadership and its ongoing tensions with Israel. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to focus on releasing hostages and ending the conflict in Gaza. Safieddine had previously threatened retaliation against Israel after the death of another commander, highlighting the potential for escalation in the region