An Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Sunday resulted in the death of Haytham Ali Tabatabai, a veteran Hezbollah commander and second-in-command of the group. The attack, which occurred in the Haret Hreik district, a stronghold of Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital, led to the deaths of at least five people and injuries to 28 others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Both Hezbollah and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed his death, marking a significant blow to the militant group. Tabatab, who joined Hezbollah as a teenager during the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, was among the few senior commanders to survive Israel’s targeted-killing campaign last year.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the strike, calling it part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah, which the country has designated as a terrorist organization. The attack comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with the latter aiming to rebuild its military capabilities following a series of setbacks, including the detonation of booby-trapped pagers last year. Netanyahu emphasized the need to undermine Hezbollah’s rearmament efforts, arguing that destroying the group would lead to a better future for every citizen in Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the latest attack, calling on the international community to assume its responsibility and intervene firmly and seriously to stop the attacks on Lebanon and its people. He expressed concern over the escalating conflict and its impact on the stability of the region. The Israeli government has long sought to weaken Hezbollah’s influence, viewing the group as a threat to its security and regional dominance. Analysts suggest that the killing of Tabatabai, who was previously involved in orchestrating Hezbollah’s rearmament efforts, may have significant implications for the group’s future operations and internal dynamics.
Netanyahu’s statement highlighted the US’s earlier $5 million bounty on Tabatabai’s head, issued in 2016 after he escaped an earlier Israeli assassination attempt. This underscores the ongoing efforts by both sides to neutralize key figures within the opposition. The attack has also drawn international attention, with calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution to the conflict. As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation in the region.