1992: NASRALLAH BECOMES THE GROUP’S LEADER
In February 1992 an Israeli helicopter gunship attack kills Hezbollah secretary-general Sheikh Abbas al-Musawi.
Aged just 32, Hassan Nasrallah is elected his successor. His baptism of fire comes a year later when Hezbollah, the only group that refused to give up its weapons after Lebanon’s 15-year civil war ended in 1990, battles a large-scale Israeli incursion dubbed “Operation Accountability”.
The stature of the man considered at his death to be the most powerful in Lebanon begins to build.
It is enhanced even further in 1996.
1996: ‘OPERATION GRAPES OF WRATH
On April 11, 1996, Israel launches “Operation Grapes of Wrath”, raids aimed at breaking Hezbollah’s military potential and halting the firing of rockets into northern Israel.
Over 17 days, Israeli forces launch 600 raids and fire 23,000 shells, killing 175 people in Lebanon, mostly civilians. More than 300,000 refugees flee their homes.
International calls for a ceasefire mount after artillery bombards a United Nations camp where fleeing civilians had sought shelter. More than 100 people are killed.
On April 26 an agreement is signed ending the Israeli operation.
