Israel Kills Hezbollah Chief of Staff in Beirut Strike

Overview

• Hezbollah confirmed the death of Haytham Ali Tabatabai and held funeral processions a day after the strike in southern Beirut.
• Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported five dead and 28 injured after a multi‑story residential building in Haret Hreik was hit.
• Israel said the assassination was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following recommendations from his defense and military chiefs.
• A senior U.S. official said Washington received no advance notice of the operation, while Iran condemned the killing as a ceasefire violation and Lebanon’s president urged international intervention.
• Israel characterized the strike as part of efforts to block Hezbollah’s rearmament and raised readiness along the northern border, with officials signaling similar actions could continue.