Israel’s military has carried out a major airstrike in southern Beirut, targeting and killing Haitham Ali al-Tabtabai, a top Hezbollah commander, in the densely populated Dahieh district. The attack left at least five people dead and 28 others injured, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Hezbollah confirmed Tabtabai’s death and accused Israel of crossing a “red line.” This strike marks Israel’s first major operation in southern Beirut in several months, despite a ceasefire brokered last November by the US and France.
Israeli officials claim Hezbollah is rebuilding its military strength, smuggling weapons, and producing explosive drones as alternatives to rockets and missiles. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will not allow Hezbollah to regain power or threaten Israeli security, urging the Lebanese government to disarm the group.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, calling it a violation of international agreements and demanding Israel halt attacks and withdraw from Lebanese territory. Hezbollah insists it will not disarm until Israel ends attacks, releases Lebanese prisoners, and leaves occupied areas.
The US had designated Tabtabai a terrorist in 2016, offering $5 million for information about him. He previously led Hezbollah’s special forces in Syria and Yemen, contributing to the group’s regional military operations.
The tension between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, with Hezbollah firing rockets in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The conflict previously resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 1.2 million Lebanese civilians.
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