Israel conducted an airstrike in Lebanon’s capital, targeting Hezbollah’s chief of staff Haytham Tabtabai. The strike resulted in five fatalities and 25 injuries, as confirmed by Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Hezbollah acknowledged Tabtabai’s death and warned of potential escalations in attacks following the strike occurring close to the anniversary of the Israel-Hezbollah war ceasefire.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized Israel’s commitment to protecting its residents and preventing threats. The military advised residents near the Lebanese border to carry on with their daily routines, suggesting a lack of anticipation for a military response from Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Tabtabai of leading efforts to rearm Hezbollah.
Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have intensified 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 highlights resource limitations for its army.
Hezbollah has refrained from attacking Israel since the ceasefire, with a few exceptions. Tabtabai, who led Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Unit, was designated a terrorist by the U.S. in 2016. Hezbollah’s leadership is contemplating a response to the recent strike, potentially leading to further assaults in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, accusing Israel of failing to uphold the ceasefire agreement. He called on the international community to intervene to halt attacks on Lebanon. Israel reiterated its commitment to the agreed-upon understandings with Lebanon.
The strike in Beirut’s Haret Hreik neighborhood damaged civilian structures, sparking condemnation from Hezbollah representatives. Lebanon’s president expressed willingness to negotiate with Israel to end airstrikes and withdraw from occupied territories. The 2023 Israel-Hezbollah war, which severely weakened Hezbollah, 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 led to 13 fatalities, the deadliest attack post-ceasefire. The military targeted a Hamas facility, though Hamas denied its presence in the camp’s military sites.
