Jerusalem: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has “eliminated” Hezbollah’s chief of staff Haytham Ali Tabatabai, after a rare Israeli strike hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting the veteran commander in one of the most significant blows to the group’s leadership in months.
According to the IDF, Tabatabai, a veteran operative active since the 1980s, was responsible for building Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, overseeing operations in Syria, and expanding the group’s military capabilities over the decades. After last year’s war and Operation Northern Arrows, he directed combat activity along the Israel–Lebanon border and later served as Hezbollah’s chief of general staff.
The strike triggered panic in Dahieh, where residents reported hearing the roar of warplanes moments before the explosion. Vehicles and buildings were left mangled and charred, and emergency teams worked through debris-strewn streets.
The US Treasury had designated Tabatabai in 2016 as a key Hezbollah military leader and offered up to USD 5 million for information on him.
Hezbollah MP Ali Ammar accused Israel of repeatedly violating the November 2024 ceasefire, saying the “Israeli enemy has remained persistent and addicted to continuing its aggression, targeting buildings, people and civilians”.
