Israel's Air Force carried out a strike in Beirut on Sunday targeting Hezbollah's top military commander, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, a move confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This operation marks the most significant Israeli strike against a Hezbollah leader since a year-old ceasefire and the first time Israel has attacked Beirut in five months.
The strike occurs amidst escalating Israeli actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which Israel asserts are in response to the militant group's efforts to rearm and enhance its military capabilities. Israeli intelligence claims Tabatabai was a key proponent within Hezbollah advocating against the Lebanese government's disarmament plans and pushing for a resumption of hostilities with Israel.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the strike targeted the military chief of staff responsible for leading the terror organization's build-up and armament. Netanyahu ordered the strike based on recommendations from the defense minister and the IDF chief of staff, emphasizing Israel's resolve to pursue its objectives globally.
The Israeli Air Force launched missiles that struck the upper floors of a 10-story building in a southern Beirut suburb, a known Hezbollah stronghold. Initial reports from Lebanese media indicate one person was killed and five were wounded in the attack.
The United States was not informed of the strike in advance; a senior U.S. official stated they were informed immediately after the strike and that while the U.S.
knew of potential escalations, they were unaware of the specific timing, location, or target. Haytham Ali Tabatabai has been a wanted figure by the U.S.
government for years, with a $5 million reward offered for information leading to his capture. He was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the State Department in 2016.
Israeli officials consider Tabatabai the second-highest figure in Hezbollah, holding the military leadership position after his predecessors were assassinated by Israel.
