Beirut, Lebanon: An Israeli airstrike has killed Hezbollah leader Haytham Tabatabai in southern Beirut, marking the first attack by Israel on Lebanon since the ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel went into effect in June.
The Israeli airstrike, which took place in the southern suburbs of Beirut, also resulted in the deaths of five others and left 25 people injured, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health.
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah confirmed the death of its senior leader, Haytham Tabatabai, in the attack. The assassination of Tabatabai, a prominent figure within the group, comes nearly a year after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah had been put in place to halt the ongoing conflict. This incident has escalated tensions in the region and drawn international attention, especially as it coincides with the first foreign visit of Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, “We will continue to take necessary actions to prevent any threats to northern and southern Israel,” emphasizing the need for further military intervention to secure Israel’s borders. In response to the attack, Israel has issued military instructions to residents in northern Israel to continue their daily routines under heightened security measures, indicating that the military will maintain its presence in the region.
The Israeli military has reportedly redeployed its forces in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah has rejected calls for its disarmament, asserting that it will not yield to external pressures. Since the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah had refrained from launching attacks against Israel, although in December, Israeli military authorities claimed that two rockets fired near the border were a warning shot.
Tabatabai, often seen as a close ally of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, was also considered a successor to Ibrahim Akil, who had been killed in a prior Israeli strike in September 2024. Tabatabai’s death is seen as a significant blow to Hezbollah’s leadership. He had been a key military commander, leading special Hezbollah units in Syria and Yemen, and was involved in organizing operations against Israeli targets. In 2016, the U.S. designated him as a terrorist, offering a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
The Lebanese President, Michel Aoun, condemned the Israeli airstrike, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. Aoun called on the international community to intervene and halt Israel’s attacks on Lebanon. He emphasized that Israel’s refusal to adhere to the ceasefire and its continued military actions in Lebanon undermine peace efforts in the region.
The assassination of Tabatabai has reignited fears of further violence and instability in the region. Both Hezbollah and Israel appear to be gearing up for a prolonged period of tension, with military actions likely to continue unless diplomatic efforts intervene. The international community is now watching closely, as the fragile peace in Lebanon could be on the brink of collapse.
As Lebanon grapples with the aftermath of the airstrike, it remains to be seen how Hezbollah will respond and whether the ceasefire will hold in the face of escalating violence. The situation in the region remains tense, with both Israel and Hezbollah reinforcing their positions for what could be a protracted conflict.
Also Read: New Labour Law implemented in India: Know 12 key changes
