Israel strikes Beirut, kills Hezbollah chief of staff in attack

Beirut’s southern suburb of Haret Hreik was hit by an airstrike on Sunday by Israel, reportedly killing Hezbollah’s acting chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least five people were killed and 28 others wounded in the strike. 

The Israeli military said Tabatabai had been commanding major units of Hezbollah and was overseeing its re-arming for future conflict with Israel. 

The building hit was a nine-storey residential block in the densely populated Haret Hreik area, a recognised Hezbollah stronghold. Three missiles struck the third and fourth floors, damaging nearby vehicles and structures. 

The strike reportedly took place without prior notification to the United States, according to US officials, who said they were informed only after the attack. 

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that orders were given for the strike, declaring, “In the heart of Beirut the Israeli forces attacked the Hezbollah chief of staff, who was leading the terrorist organisation’s buildup and re-armament. Israel is determined to act everywhere and at all times to achieve its goals.” 

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, calling on the international community to take firm and serious measures to halt Israeli strikes on Lebanon and its people. He said Lebanon repeats its demand that the global community "assume its responsibility" in stopping the aggression. 

The strike marks the first such attack on Beirut’s outskirts in months and threatens to kindle a new conflict between Israel and Hezbollah less than a year after their latest truce. 

Analysts warn that the incident could push the broader region back towards open confrontation, at a time when Lebanon is already dealing with economic and political fragility.