CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Chief of Staff in Southern Beirut — First Attack There Since June

Israeli forces carried out an airstrike in southern Beirut targeting Haytham Ali Tabatabai, believed to be Hezbollah’s chief of staff; it was the first strike in the area since early June. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported one dead and 21 injured after the attack hit a densely populated residential area. Israel said the strike followed military recommendations and vowed to act against threats from Hezbollah amid limited progress on a US-mediated ceasefire. The US designated Tabatabai a terrorist in 2016 and has offered up to $5 million for information leading to him.

10:24 PM, 11/23/2025Conflict
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Chief of Staff in Southern Beirut — First Attack There Since June

Israeli forces carried out an airstrike in southern Beirut on Tuesday, the first such attack in the area since early June, officials said. The operation was reported to have targeted Haytham Ali Tabatabai, described by Israeli sources as Hezbollah’s chief of staff and the group’s effective number two, though it remained unclear whether he was killed.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported one person killed and 21 injured after the strike hit among apartment blocks in a densely populated neighborhood of southern Beirut. Photographs from the scene showed smoke pouring from the fourth or fifth floor of a residential building.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the strike was ordered on the recommendation of the defence minister and the Israel Defense Forces’ chief of staff and that it struck “in the heart of Beirut, targeting Hezbollah’s chief of staff, who led the organization’s buildup and armament efforts.” An Israeli source identified the likely target as Haytham Ali Tabatabai.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz: “We will continue to act forcefully to prevent any threat to the residents of the north and to the State of Israel. Anyone who raises a hand against Israel — his hand will be cut off.”

The strike follows a broader campaign of targeted attacks that has significantly degraded Hezbollah’s military leadership since a high-profile strike in September 2024 that killed the group’s long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Israeli operations have also destroyed communications equipment used by the group, including pagers and walkie-talkies, and have killed dozens of fighters, according to reported accounts.

A US-mediated ceasefire reached about a year ago required Hezbollah to hand over heavy weapons and withdraw fighters from south of the Litani River. Israel and other parties say disarmament has made little progress; Israeli officials have warned they will intensify military action unless the Lebanese government takes steps to rein in the militia.

The United States designated Haytham Ali Tabatabai a terrorist in 2016, accusing him of commanding Hezbollah special forces in Syria and Yemen, and the US Rewards for Justice programme has offered up to $5 million for information leading to him.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun this month accused Israel of undermining any negotiated settlement between the two countries. Analysts and officials on both sides have warned the attack risks further escalation along the Israel–Lebanon front.

Similar Articles

Trending