Israel Says It Killed Hezbollah Chief of Staff in Beirut Airstrike

Overview

• Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported at least five dead and 28 wounded after a strike hit a multi‑story residential building in Haret Hreik, a densely populated southern suburb of Beirut.
• The Israeli military said it eliminated Haytham Ali Tabtabai, described as Hezbollah’s chief of staff and a key figure in the group’s rearmament efforts.
• Hezbollah confirmed Tabtabai’s death, with a senior figure calling the operation a crossing of a new red line, while some reports noted the group did not specify his title.
• A senior U.S. official said Israel did not notify Washington before the operation and provided word only immediately afterward.
• The attack was the first on Beirut since June and comes days before a planned papal visit and near the ceasefire’s first anniversary, as Israeli leaders vow more actions to block Hezbollah’s rebuilding and Lebanese authorities condemn violations.