Israeli forces conducted an attack in Lebanon’s capital, resulting in the death of Hezbollah’s chief of staff Haytham Tabtabai. The strike, the first in Beirut since June, also led to the killing of five individuals and injuring 25 others, as reported by Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
Hezbollah confirmed the death of Tabtabai and expressed concern over potential escalations following the strike, which occurred nearly a year after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized the country’s commitment to protecting its northern residents and maintaining security.
Israeli airstrikes have intensified over southern Lebanon in recent weeks amid pressure from Israel and the United States for 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 but cites resource constraints within its army.
Hezbollah, despite refraining from attacking Israel since the ceasefire, faces internal leadership challenges following the loss of key members, including Tabtabai. Designated as a terrorist by the U.S. in 2016, Tabtabai was recognized for his role in leading Hezbollah’s special forces in Syria and Yemen.
Hezbollah leaders are deliberating their response to the recent strike, with warnings of potential escalations across Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement and called for international intervention to halt further assaults on Lebanon.
The strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs caused damage to civilian areas, prompting local residents to express defiance and resilience. Lebanon’s president has expressed readiness to negotiate with Israel to cease airstrikes and withdraw from occupied territories, reiterating Lebanon’s commitment to disarming non-state actors like Hezbollah.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, initiated in 2023, has left a trail of devastation, severely impacting Hezbollah’s strength. Despite past conflicts and the toll on civilian lives and infrastructure, both sides continue to navigate complex challenges in the aftermath of the latest hostilities.