Overview
- Haitham Ali Tabatabai, described by Israel as Hezbollah’s chief military commander, was killed in a precision strike in Haret Hreik that the group later confirmed.
- Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported at least five dead and about 28 wounded, with two upper floors of a nine-story residential building destroyed in the densely populated area.
- Netanyahu said he approved the operation on recommendations from his defense minister and IDF chief, portraying the strike as a move to curb Hezbollah rearmament despite the truce.
- Hezbollah held large funerals in Beirut and mobilised supporters, as sources and analysts indicate the leadership is debating a response but presently favors a diplomatic course.
- U.S. officials were reportedly not briefed beforehand; Iran condemned the killing, France called for restraint, and Washington continues pressing Beirut to disarm Hezbollah under the cease-fire terms.