Israel conducted an airstrike on Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, for the first time since June, claiming to have killed Hezbollah’s chief of staff, Haytham Tabtabai. The attack resulted in the death of five individuals and left 25 others injured, as reported by Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Hezbollah confirmed Tabtabai’s demise.
The strike, which occurred in Beirut’s southern suburbs, raised concerns of escalating hostilities just days before Pope Leo XIV’s planned visit to Lebanon. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized the commitment to safeguarding Israel’s residents in the north.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Tabtabai of overseeing Hezbollah’s rearmament efforts. The Israeli military urged residents near the Lebanese border to continue their daily routines, indicating no expected military retaliation from Hezbollah.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have intensified recently amid pressure from Israel and the United States on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. Israel alleges that Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities, a claim denied by the Lebanese government, which advocates for disarming Hezbollah while highlighting the need for additional military resources.
Hezbollah has refrained from attacking Israel since the ceasefire commenced. Tabtabai, who led Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Unit, was designated a terrorist by the U.S. in 2016. The incident has prompted Hezbollah’s leadership to contemplate a response, potentially leading to increased assaults across Lebanon.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, accusing Israel of failing to uphold the ceasefire agreement. Israel reiterated its commitment to the agreed-upon understandings with Lebanon. The attack targeted a civilian area, causing damage to an apartment building and prompting emergency response efforts.
Hezbollah parliamentarian Ali Ammar asserted the civilian nature of the area struck, emphasizing the absence of military presence. Lebanon’s president expressed readiness to negotiate with Israel to halt airstrikes and withdraw from occupied territories.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in 2023, with Israel’s extensive bombardment and subsequent ground invasion severely weakening Hezbollah. The war resulted in significant casualties and destruction in both Lebanon and Israel.
In a separate incident, an Israeli strike in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh killed 13 individuals, marking the deadliest attack post-ceasefire. Hamas denied the presence of military facilities in the camp targeted by the Israeli military.