Lebanon: Israel 'kills' top Hezbollah commander in Beirut strike
An Israeli air strike killed a top Hezbollah military leader in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Sunday, according to media reports.
It was first such attack without warning since last year’s ceasefire.
The strike hit an apartment building in the densely populated Haret Hreik area of Dahiyeh, the southern suburbs of the city.
The Lebanese health ministry said five people were killed and 28 were wounded.
The target of the strike, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, was killed, according to Al Jazeera and Israeli media.
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Tabatabai was reportedly Hezbollah's de facto military chief and second-in-command after Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem.
“We struck the most senior commander in the Hezbollah terror organization," Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir said.
"We will act to remove any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel."
Mahmoud Qomati, a member of Hezbollah's political council, confirmed that a senior military figure was targeted but did not identity him.
Office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tabatabai was targeted for leading the group's "buildup and rearmament".
"Israel is determined to act to achieve its objectives everywhere and at all times," the office added.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the international community to take decisive action to halt Israeli attacks on the country following the strike.
Ceasefire violations
Israel and Hezbollah signed a ceasefire in November 2024, ending months of clashes that had escalated into full-scale war in September 2024.
During the conflict, Israel killed Hezbollah’s long-time chief Hassan Nasrallah, his deputy and several other senior figures, dealing a major blow to the group’s leadership and capabilities.
Israel has routinely violated the ceasefire, carrying out air strikes deep inside Lebanese territory. According to the Lebanese health ministry, at least 331 people have been killed and around 1,000 wounded since the ceasefire took effect.
Most strikes occurred in southern Lebanon. On a few occasions, Israel targeted Dahiyeh, but usually after issuing evacuation warnings.
Hezbollah has not launched any retaliatory attacks for nearly a year.
Israeli media and officials have recently suggested that Israel may launch another offensive against Lebanon, citing alleged attempts by Hezbollah to rebuild its capabilities.
Reports from Israel conflicted over whether the attack was coordinated with the United States. Some said Washington was aware that Israel planned to escalate in Lebanon, but did not know the timing or location of the strike.
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