On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike in Beirut resulted in the death of Haytham Ali Tabatabai, a prominent Hezbollah commander and the group’s second-in-command. The attack targeted Tabatabai in the Haret Hreik district, a key Hezbollah stronghold, and reportedly killed at least five people while injuring 28 others. Both Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Forces confirmed his death, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing support for the strike as part of Israel’s strategy to weaken the militant group. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun issued a condemnation, calling on the international community to address the ongoing violence against Lebanon.
Tabatabai, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Ali Tabatabai, was reportedly a long-standing member of Hezbollah, having joined the group as a teenager during Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon. He was one of the few high-ranking commanders to survive Israel’s targeted-killing campaign last year. His death marks a significant blow to Hezbollah’s leadership, as he was believed to be overseeing the group’s rearmament efforts following recent setbacks.
Netanyahu hailed the strike, stating that it was part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah, which the country accuses of terrorism. The Israeli prime minister also referenced the $5 million bounty the United States had placed on Tabatabai’s head in 2016, a reward that was issued after he narrowly escaped an earlier assassination attempt. He argued that dismantling Hezbollah would lead to a more stable future for Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, however, expressed strong opposition to the strike, urging the international community to take action to prevent further violence against Lebanon. The attack has intensified existing tensions in the region, with both sides accusing each other of escalatory actions. The situation highlights the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, with the latter supported by Iran and other regional actors.
Analysts suggest that the killing of Tabatabai could have long-term implications for the balance of power in the region, as Hezbollah continues to seek to strengthen its capabilities amid ongoing hostilities with Israel. The incident also underscores the high stakes of the conflict, with both sides vying for dominance in the Middle East.