An Israeli airstrike on Sunday targeted the Haret Hreik district of Beirut, resulting in the death of Haytham Ali Tabatabai, a senior commander in Hezbollah. The attack, which also killed at least five others, was confirmed by both Hezbollah and the IDF. Tabatabai, also known as Abu Ali Tabatabai, was a veteran member of the group, having joined during Israel’s 002 invasion of Lebanon in 1982.
The strike comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with the latter being an Iran-backed force opposing Israel’s regional dominance. Netanyahu praised the attack, calling it part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to destroy the group, which it accuses of terrorism. He also referenced a $5 million bounty placed on Tabatabai’s head by the U.S. in 2016, a year after he escaped an earlier assassination attempt.
Tabatabai was reportedly overseeing Hezbollah’s rearmament efforts amid the group’s efforts to rebuild its capabilities after a series of setbacks by Israel, including the detonation of booby-trapped pagers last year. Israeli officials stated that dismantling the organization would lead to a ‘better future for every citizen in Lebanon.’ Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, urging the international community to take responsibility and intervene to stop the attacks on Lebanon and its people.