The Israeli military has launched an air strike on southern Beirut, marking its first attack on the area since early June and targeting what officials describe as Hezbollah’s second-highest-ranking figure.
According to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israel Defense Forces carried out the operation “in the heart of Beirut, targeting Hezbollah’s Chief of Staff, who led the organization’s buildup and armament efforts.”
An Israeli source told CNN that the intended target was Haytham Ali Tabatabai, regarded as Hezbollah’s de facto second-in-command. However, the source noted it remained uncertain whether he had been killed in the strike.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed that one person died and 21 others sustained injuries after the explosion ripped through an apartment block in a densely populated part of southern Beirut.
PAhotos from the aftermath showed smoke rising from the upper floors of a residential building.
Netanyahu authorized the operation following advice from the Defense Minister and the IDF Chief of Staff.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reinforced the government’s stance, stating, “We will continue to act forcefully to prevent any threat to the residents of the north and to the State of Israel,” adding, “Anyone who raises a hand against Israel, his hand will be cut off.”
Israel has repeatedly targeted senior Hezbollah figures in recent years. In September 2024, an air strike on southern Beirut killed the group’s long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and subsequent operations have significantly weakened Hezbollah’s military hierarchy. Israeli forces also detonated communication devices used by Hezbollah operatives, resulting in dozens of casualties.
Although a ceasefire was brokered by the United States a year ago, Israeli forces have continued to hit Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hezbollah is required to hand over its heavy weapons and pull personnel back beyond the Litani River. Progress on this front has been minimal, prompting Israeli officials to warn that military operations may escalate unless Lebanon curbs the group’s activities.
The United States labeled Tabatabai a terrorist in 2016, identifying him as a senior military commander who directed Hezbollah’s special forces in Syria and Yemen.
Washington’s Rewards for Justice program offered up to $5 million for information leading to him.
Earlier this month, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of refusing to embrace diplomatic solutions, claiming the country has spared “no effort to show its rejection of any negotiated settlement between the two countries.”
