Nasrallah's final hour: A million mourners expected today

A massive funeral procession is set to begin at Beirut's sports complex stadium, where tens of thousands of supporters have already gathered. The ceremony has sparked tensions between Lebanon and Hezbollah supporters after Lebanese authorities banned Iranian flights following U.S. warnings about potential illicit fund transfers to the organization.

In less than an hour, the funeral and burial service will commence for Hassan Nasrallah, former Hezbollah Secretary-General and one of the Middle East's most influential militant leaders. Alongside Nasrallah's casket, Hezbollah supporters will carry the coffin of Hashim Safi al-Din, who briefly succeeded Nasrallah before being eliminated in Beirut's Dahieh district - killed before his leadership role could be officially announced.

The procession will begin at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut before moving to the nearby burial site. According to organizers, an estimated one million mourners from over 70 countries - spanning from Yemen to Ireland - are expected to attend.

"We stand by the promise" will be the rallying cry of the procession, symbolizing Hezbollah's commitment to continuing Nasrallah's legacy. The organization's official statements emphasize that the event aims to demonstrate to both allies and adversaries that "the resistance in Lebanon remains active, present on the ground, and unconquerable."

Hezbollah's media campaign has intensified over the past week. Sympathetic media outlets and social media accounts have been flooding channels with Nasrallah's speeches and tributes, reinforcing their dedication to his ideology.

One notable media event was Al-Mayadeen TV's interview series titled "Master of the Nation," featuring close associates including Nasrallah's daughter Zainab and the channel's board chairman, Ghassan bin Jiddo. During last week's broadcast, bin Jiddo revealed that Israel had planned to eliminate Nasrallah in 2008-2009, with fighter jets already airborne, but the operation was reportedly halted by U.S. intervention. He claimed this earlier U.S. interference led Netanyahu to exclude American consultation in the September 2024 strike that ultimately proved fatal.

The ceremony has heightened existing tensions between Hezbollah supporters and Lebanon's new government. Lebanese authorities recently banned flights from Iran at Beirut International Airport, citing U.S. intelligence about potential financial transfers to Hezbollah that could provoke Israeli retaliation. This forced Iranian supporters to reroute through countries like Iraq, leading to protests at the airport where arrivals chanted: "Those who follow American and Israeli dictates should leave - this is our homeland, this is the Lebanese people's airport."

The new Lebanese government's limited participation - sending just one minister, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam notably absent - underscores the deepening rift between state authorities and Hezbollah.

While the massive turnout and extensive regional media coverage demonstrate Hezbollah's enduring influence in Lebanon, the event also marks the end of a significant era. Following the elimination of Qasem Soleimani five years ago, the targeting of Hamas leadership, and Bashar al-Assad's fall from power, Nasrallah's death represents another major shift in Iran's regional alliance network. Though the Middle East will likely continue to present new security challenges for Israel, the successful strike against Nasrallah suggests a significant change in the strategic landscape and the erosion of previous deterrence barriers.

Walla contributed to this article.