🔗 Share this article

Israeli forces allegedly targeted the chief of staff of the Lebanese Iran-aligned group the Hezbollah organization in a operation on Beirut's southern district, per the Israeli prime minister's office on Sunday.

This marked the initial attack in months on the southern district of the Lebanese capital, an area recognized for housing officials from the group.

Objective Identified as Military Leader

The focus of the operation was the army leader the Hezbollah chief of staff, per an source from Israel knowledgeable of the incident and a Lebanese security source. The PM's office did not reveal whether Tabtabai was fatally wounded.

US Notification Particulars

A high-ranking American official indicated that Israel did not alert the US administration beforehand about the airstrike, according to a social media post.

The authority added that the US government was informed following the incident, and a second senior US official mentioned that the US had been aware for days that Israeli forces was planning to intensify operations in the country.

History on the Target

The United States imposed restrictions on Tabtabai in recent years, labeling him as a key military figure in the group and announcing a bounty of up to five million dollars for intel on him.

Attack Particulars and Consequences

The airstrike hit a primary street in Beirut's southern suburbs, where inhabitants stated detecting the sound of jets before the detonation.

People rushed out of their homes out of concern of additional attacks, as stated by a correspondent in the area.

At least two individuals were lost their lives and two dozen were injured and rushed to medical facilities in the vicinity, according to hospital staff.

There was no immediate comment from the group.

Ongoing Israel's Operations

Attacks by Israel on the Lebanese faction over the last two years have eliminated its former leader Hassan Nasrallah, much of the senior military leadership and about five thousand combatants.

Comments from Prime Minister

The prime minister informed his government ministers on Sunday morning before the strike that the country would persist to confront “militant activities” on various arenas.

“We will continue to do all that is required to hinder Hezbollah from rebuilding its ability to threaten us,” he declared.

Broader Context

Israeli forces has increased bombing raids in south Lebanon, continuing a operation of frequent strikes that it claims is intended to hinder a military revival by the faction in the boundary zone.

Israel has alleged Hezbollah of attempting to restock weapons since a truce supported by the US the previous year.

The faction says it has abided by requirements for it to cease its troop placement in the border region near Israel, and for the military forces to deploy there.