Israel has announced this Sunday the elimination of Haytham Ali Tabatabai, considered the Hezbollah military chief, during an aerial bombing in the suburbs of southern Beirut. This event marks the first Israeli attack on the Lebanese capital in months and points to the second most relevant man in the military structure of the Lebanese Shia group.
Implications of the bombing on the Hezbollah military chief
The Israeli Defense Forces describe Tabatabai as “a key and veteran member” of the organization. The official objective was to prevent Hezbollah from increasing its offensive capabilities and punish its main military figures. The operation was authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following the recommendation of Defense Minister Israel Katz, and the high command of the army. Katz emphasized that Israel will continue to act “firmly to prevent any threat to the residents of the north”.
Reactions and consequences after the death of the Hezbollah military chief
- Until now, Hezbollah has not made official statements about the attack.
- The Lebanese Ministry of Health confirms five dead and 28 injured after the explosion that hit Haret Hreik, the stronghold of the group.
The first images from the area show intense columns of smoke, affecting several floors of a residential high-traffic building.
Historical context: Israeli offensives and background of the Hezbollah military chief
The last recognized attacks by Israel in Beirut occurred in June, when they destroyed Hezbollah’s underground drone production facilities. Since then, the incursions have been concentrated south of Lebanon, but not in the capital. In September 2024, Israel eliminated the historic leader Hassan Nasrallah, further weakening the military leadership of the group. It is reported that communication systems were destroyed, causing multiple casualties, according to Lebanese sources.
International designation of the Hezbollah military chief
Haytham Ali Tabatabai was declared a terrorist by the United States in 2016, linked to operations in Syria and Yemen. The Rewards for Justice program offered a reward of five million dollars for information about his whereabouts.
Diplomacy and political tensions around the Hezbollah military chief
In 2024, a US mediation pushed for a ceasefire and the delivery of heavy arms by Hezbollah, achieving the withdrawal of combatants from south of the Litani River. However, the disarmament process advances slowly, and the Israeli government has warned that it will increase military pressure if there are no advances. The Lebanese President Joseph Aoun recently accused Israel of rejecting any negotiated agreement, adding gravity to the death of the Hezbollah military chief.
