ALBAWABA - It has been reported on social media that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has doubted that Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has passed away, implying that he is "still alive."
"There are serious doubts about Nasrallah; after the assassination, no evidence of his death has been presented, including his body or any funeral rites, indicating that he is alive and in hiding," the postings purport Gallant to have said.
But a careful examination finds that Gallant has never made any formal remarks that cast doubt on Nasrallah's demise. As a matter of fact, Gallant had already verified Nasrallah's demise and called the Hezbollah leader's removal a major step, although one that would not fully guarantee the protection of those living in the north. "We will employ all our capabilities, including yours," he said.
According to reports, last Friday's Israeli bombing on a Hezbollah center in the southern suburbs of Beirut's Haret Hreik neighborhood killed Nasrallah.
According to a Hezbollah-affiliated source, Nasrallah was "temporarily buried as a deposit" at a covert area since it was impossible to organize a public burial in the face of "Israeli threats."
Citing worries about possible Israeli threats to mourners and the burial site, the source, who asked to remain anonymous, said that Nasrallah was buried at a secret location while the necessary arrangements were made for a public funeral.
Furthermore, despite the fact that Nasrallah was buried last Sunday, renowned figure Mohammad Ali al-Husseini said that certain Hezbollah commanders are telling their fighters that Nasrallah is still alive, citing this as a tactic to preserve morale.
