The Israeli military has confirmed the killing of Hezbollah’s chief of staff in airstrikes on Beirut, marking the first such attack on the Lebanese capital in months and escalating regional tensions. Haytham Ali Tabatabai, a senior military commander in the Iran-backed group, was targeted in the strike on the Haret Hreik neighborhood in southern Beirut, an area known as a Hezbollah stronghold.
The strike, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of at least five people and injured 28 others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Images from the scene showed smoke rising from a residential building in the densely populated suburb, with emergency services responding to the aftermath. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the attack was intended to prevent Hezbollah from strengthening its capabilities and to deliver a precise blow to those threatening Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strike based on recommendations from the Minister of Defense and the IDF Chief of Staff. In a statement, Netanyahu’s office emphasized that Israel is determined to act against threats everywhere, while Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off. The IDF described Tabatabai as a key operative and veteran in the terrorist organization, highlighting his role in Hezbollah’s buildup and armament efforts.
Hezbollah confirmed Tabatabai’s death, calling it a treacherous Israeli attack and referring to him as a great commander. The group has not specified his exact position, but he was widely recognized as the chief of staff, making him one of the most senior figures in the organization. This strike comes almost a year after a ceasefire ended 14 months of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered with US mediation.
Tabatabai, 58, had been a member of Hezbollah since its early days and was involved in military operations in Syria and Yemen. The United States had designated him as a terrorist in 2016, offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his capture. He escaped an Israeli assassination attempt in 2015 and survived previous campaigns that decimated Hezbollah’s leadership, including the killing of longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah in a 2024 Beirut strike.
The ceasefire agreement required Hezbollah to disarm and withdraw from areas south of the Litani River, but progress has been slow. Israeli officials have warned of escalating military action if Lebanon fails to curb Hezbollah’s activities. In response, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on the international community to intervene forcefully to stop Israeli aggressions, underscoring the fragile state of the truce.
This attack raises fears of a resumption of full-scale hostilities, as Israel continues to strike Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. The situation highlights the ongoing volatility in the region, with both sides preparing for potential escalation. The international community is closely monitoring developments, with concerns about broader conflict implications.
