Israel conducted a targeted airstrike in Beirut, killing senior Hezbollah commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai, who was also known by his alias Abu Ali Tabatabai. The attack took place in the Haret Hreik district, a known Hezbollah stronghold, and reportedly killed at least five people and injured 28 others. The Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah both confirmed Tabatabai’s death, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauding the strike as part of Israel’s broader campaign to counter Hezbollah’s activities.
Netanyahu referenced a $5 million US bounty on Tabatabai’s head from 2016, highlighting his significance as a key figure in the militant group. Tabatabai, who had survived earlier Israeli assassination attempts, was described by Israeli officials as the group’s second-in-command. The death is seen as a major blow to Hezbollah, which has been working to rebuild its capabilities after recent setbacks, including the sabotage of its supply channels by Israeli intelligence. The strike has drawn condemnation from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who called on the international community to intervene to protect Lebanon from further attacks.