Israel conducted an airstrike on Lebanon’s capital, targeting Hezbollah’s chief of staff Haytham Tabtabai, marking the first attack since June. The strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs resulted in the death of Tabtabai and claimed five lives while injuring 25 individuals, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Hezbollah confirmed the death of Tabtabai, who was accused by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of leading efforts to rearm the militant group.
The strike, occurring almost a year after the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, raised concerns about potential escalations, coinciding with an upcoming visit by Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized the country’s commitment to protecting its residents and preventing threats.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have intensified recently, amid pressure from Israel and the United States on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. Israel alleges that Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities, a claim denied by the Lebanese government, which supports disarming the group but highlights the need for additional resources for its military.
Hezbollah, which has refrained from attacking Israel since the ceasefire, is assessing its response following the recent strike. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement and urged international intervention to halt further assaults on Lebanon.
The latest strike underscores the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides maintaining their positions on military capabilities and territorial disputes. The conflict between the two adversaries has a history of violence and destruction, with previous wars causing significant casualties and economic losses in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the region remains on edge, with concerns over potential further escalations and the impact on civilian populations caught in the crossfire.