Israel conducted a strike in Lebanon’s capital on Sunday, marking the first such attack since June. The strike targeted and killed Hezbollah’s chief of staff, Haytham Tabtabai, with Israel warning the Iran-backed group against rearming and rebuilding following their previous conflict. The attack in Beirut’s southern suburbs resulted in five fatalities and 25 injuries, as confirmed by Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
Hezbollah acknowledged Tabtabai’s death and expressed concerns about potential escalation in attacks following the strike, coinciding with an upcoming visit by Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized the country’s commitment to safeguarding its residents and preventing threats.
Residents in northern Israel near the Lebanese border were advised to maintain their daily routines, indicating Israel’s assessment that Hezbollah would not respond militarily. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Tabtabai of spearheading Hezbollah’s rearmament efforts.
Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have intensified amid pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. Israel alleges the group is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities, a claim refuted by the Lebanese government, which advocates for disarming Hezbollah but cites resource constraints on its military.
Hezbollah has refrained from attacking Israel since the ceasefire began, with a few exceptions. Tabtabai, who led Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Unit, succeeded Ibrahim Aqil after the latter’s death in 2024. Designated a terrorist by the U.S. in 2016, Tabtabai was targeted for his role in leading Hezbollah’s special forces in Syria and Yemen.
Hezbollah’s leadership is deliberating its response to the strike, signaling potential further assaults across Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement and urged international intervention to halt further aggression. Israel affirmed its commitment to agreements with Lebanon despite the strike.
The strike’s aftermath in Beirut’s Haret Hreik neighborhood saw damaged buildings and civilian casualties, prompting criticism of Israel’s actions. Hezbollah representatives emphasized the civilian nature of the area and vowed to defend their weapons. Lebanon has expressed readiness to negotiate with Israel to cease airstrikes and address territorial disputes, while Hezbollah advocates for dialogue on its military arsenal post-Israeli attacks.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in 2023, following Hamas’ attack on Israel, leading to a war that significantly weakened Hezbollah. The war, one of several involving Hezbollah in recent decades, resulted in thousands of casualties and extensive damage in Lebanon and Israel. An Israeli strike in Ein el-Hilweh camp killed 13 people, the deadliest incident post-ceasefire, with conflicting narratives on the target between the military and Hamas.
