Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders has made headlines once again with his outspoken response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike, Wilders took a direct jab at Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suggesting he “find a good bunker” amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

Wilders’ Provocative Response

The incident unfolded on social media when Khamenei condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes, calling them the work of “Zionist criminals.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khamenei claimed that Israel was incapable of inflicting any serious damage on Hezbollah’s operations in Lebanon. Wilders, who leads the far-right Freedom Party (PVV) in the Netherlands, responded swiftly to Khamenei’s statement. “Well, maybe you’d better look for a good bunker @khamenei_ir,” Wilders wrote, in an apparent reference to Hezbollah’s history of using underground bunkers and the growing danger posed by Israel’s military strikes.

Hezbollah Leader’s Assassination

The comments from Wilders followed Israel’s confirmation of Nasrallah’s death in a targeted airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. Israeli forces have intensified their campaign against Hezbollah in recent months, targeting senior commanders and strategic locations. Nasrallah, a central figure in Hezbollah since the 1990s, was reportedly hiding in a bunker when he was killed. The Israeli military described his assassination as a critical blow to Hezbollah’s leadership.

Escalation in the Region

The death of Nasrallah, coupled with the killing of other senior Hezbollah operatives, marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant group. Over the weekend, Israeli forces launched several strikes against Hezbollah targets, resulting in numerous casualties. In response, Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket fire, heightening fears of an all-out war between the two sides.

International Reactions

While Wilders celebrated the killing of Nasrallah as “fantastic news” on social media, global leaders have called for restraint. U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders have urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire. Talks led by the U.S. and France are reportedly underway to broker peace, though the likelihood of a truce remains uncertain given the continued violence.

Wilders’ History of Provocation

Geert Wilders is known for his provocative rhetoric, particularly when it comes to Islam and Middle Eastern politics. His latest remarks about Khamenei reflect his longstanding criticism of Iran’s influence in the region. As tensions continue to rise, Wilders’ words may add fuel to an already volatile situation.