Israeli Airstrike Eliminates Hezbollah Military Chief in Beirut
In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a targeted airstrike in Beirut that resulted in the death of Haytham Ali Tabatabai, the chief of staff of Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militant group. This operation marks the first such action in Beirut's southern suburbs in months, a region known for housing Hezbollah officials.
Background and Context
The IDF announced the strike on Sunday, November 23, 2025, with the backing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Tabatabai, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Ali Tabatabai, was second-in-command in Hezbollah and one of the few long-serving commanders to survive Israel's targeted-killing campaign last year. This incident marks the most senior Hezbollah leader killed by Israel since the ceasefire began in November 2024.
Key Developments
The Israeli airstrike targeted an apartment building in the densely populated Haret Hreik area of Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs. According to Lebanese health ministry, the attack claimed five lives and left 28 more people wounded.
Hezbollah terrorist
Haytham Ali Tabatabai led efforts to concentrate forces and armament of the organization, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said. The premier labeled Tabatabai a mass murderer
responsible for attacks on Israelis and Americans, and highlighted that the U.S. had placed a bounty of $5 million on his head.
Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has officially confirmed the martyrdom of its senior commander, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, following the Israeli airstrike.
Reactions and Implications
The Israeli action has drawn both condemnation and commendation from various entities. Lebanese municipalities condemned the killing of Yassine Hussein, a member of the town council in the border village of Hula, also targeted in the Israeli airstrike. They described it as a criminal act that would only bolster the perseverance and persistence of the Lebanese people.
Lebanon's President accused Israel of ignoring calls to stop attacks on Lebanon. Mahmoud Qmati, the deputy head of Hezbollah's Political Council, called the strike yet another ceasefire violation
and accused Israel of escalating its attacks with the green light given by the United States
.
On the other hand, Israeli media reported that the US is pleased with the result of the strike, with an official stating, We are pleased with the elimination of the number two in Hezbollah. We think it’s a wonderful thing.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the terrorist act of the Zionist regime, and Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani reacted to the assassination of Haytham Ali Tabatabai.
Current Status
The death of Haytham Ali Tabatabai has escalated fears of a wider confrontation in the region. Despite the ceasefire in place since November 2024, Israel has continued to hit southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah largely absorbing the blows to avoid a rapid escalation. However, the group has not yet indicated its plans for a response following the assassination.