BEIRUT, Lebanon, 24 November (H.S.) : In a significant escalation, an Israeli airstrike on a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut on Sunday killed the group's de facto chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, dealing a major blow to the Iran-backed militant organization. The targeted attack in the southern Haret Hreik neighborhood also killed four other Hezbollah operatives and marks the first Israeli strike on the Lebanese capital since June.
A Major Blow to Hezbollah's Leadership
Both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah officials confirmed the death of Tabatabai, a veteran commander who was considered second only to the group's deputy secretary-general, Naim Qassem. The IDF stated that after the elimination of most of Hezbollah's senior leadership in late 2024, Tabatabai had effectively taken charge of managing combat operations against Israel.
A statement from Hezbollah mourned him as a great jihadi leader. The strike, which hit a residential building, also resulted in 28 injuries, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.A Veteran Commander's ProfileTabatabai joined Hezbollah's military wing in the 1980s and held several high-ranking positions. He previously commanded the elite Radwan Force and headed Hezbollah's operations in Syria.
According to the IDF, he was responsible for consolidating the group's force buildup and was leading efforts to rebuild and rearm after the conflict last year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who confirmed he authorized the operation, called Tabatabai a mass murderer whose hands were soaked in the blood of many Israelis and Americans.
International Reactions and Tensions
The attack occurred nearly one year after a US-mediated ceasefire was implemented. The IDF justified the strike, stating it followed repeated ceasefire violations by Hezbollah. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, calling on the international community to intervene forcefully to stop Israeli aggression.
In contrast, an unnamed senior US official told Israeli media that Washington was pleased with the outcome. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed that Israel would not allow Hezbollah to regain its strength, stating, Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have his hand cut off.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
