Israel carried out an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday, marking its first attack on the Lebanese capital since June and intensifying concerns of renewed conflict across the region. The Israeli military said the operation targeted and killed Hezbollah’s chief of staff, Haytham Tabtabai, a figure long accused by Israel and the United States of directing the group’s military expansion.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed that five people were killed and 25 wounded in the strike on the densely populated Haret Hreik district. The attack hit the upper floors of an apartment building, sending smoke billowing across the neighborhood as emergency crews worked to clear debris and secure the area.
Hezbollah Confirms Tabtabai’s Death
Hezbollah acknowledged the death of Tabtabai, who had served as a senior commander and previously led the group’s elite Radwan Unit. His killing comes nearly one year after the ceasefire that ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war, a conflict that left thousands dead and caused widespread destruction across Lebanon.
Mahmoud Qamati, deputy head of Hezbollah’s political council, said the group is weighing its response, warning that the strike “opens the door to an escalation of assaults all over Lebanon.”
Israel Signals It Does Not Expect Major Retaliation
Despite the high-profile nature of the target, Israel indicated it does not anticipate immediate retaliation from Hezbollah. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would “continue to act forcefully” to prevent threats along its northern border. Residents of northern Israel were advised to maintain normal routines.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Tabtabai of overseeing Hezbollah’s post-war rearmament efforts—a claim the Lebanese government denies. Lebanese officials say their military has deployed additional troops to the south but lacks adequate resources, and they insist Hezbollah has not resumed attacks since the ceasefire.
Lebanon Condemns Strike, Warns of Peace Efforts Undermined
President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a violation of the ceasefire terms and urged international partners to intervene to prevent further escalation. His administration has recently expressed openness to negotiations with Israel aimed at halting airstrikes and resolving territorial disputes.
Local residents described Sunday’s strike as sudden, with no evacuation warning issued beforehand. “This is a civilian area,” said Ali Ammar, a Hezbollah lawmaker who visited the scene. Nearby resident Maryam Assaf said the attack had only strengthened community resolve.
Broader Conflict Dynamics
Israel’s air campaign in southern Lebanon has intensified in recent weeks amid growing pressure from the United States and Israel for Lebanon to move toward disarming Hezbollah. The Iran-backed group has insisted that any discussion of its weapons must occur through national dialogue—and only after Israeli attacks cease.
The broader regional backdrop remains volatile. On Tuesday, an Israeli strike on the Ein el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon killed 13 people, the deadliest incident since last year’s ceasefire. Israel said it targeted a Hamas facility, a claim Hamas denied.
Fallout From the Oct. 7 Attack
Inside Israel, military leadership is facing internal reckoning. Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced disciplinary action against 13 commanders responsible for security during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, citing “systemic failure” in protecting Israeli civilians. Several of the officers involved had already resigned and will be barred from future reserve service.
As tensions rise once again across the Israel-Lebanon border, international observers warn that even a limited escalation could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts and deepen instability across the region.
