The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Sunday that it carried out a targeted airstrike in Beirut, successfully eliminating Hezbollah's high-ranking military leader, Haytham Ali Tabatabai. The strike, which occurred in the Dahiyeh area of the Lebanese capital, marks a significant escalation and is the first Israeli attack on Beirut since July.
Key Details of the Operation
The operation, internally referred to as "Black Friday" by Israeli forces, targeted Tabatabai, who served as Hezbollah's "chief of staff" and was considered the organization's second-in-command after Secretary-General Naim Qassem. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that the strike was ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the recommendation of the defense minister and the IDF chief of staff.
The IDF described Tabatabai as a "key operative and veteran" who joined Hezbollah in the 1980s. He held several senior roles, including commander of the elite Radwan Force and head of the group's operations in Syria. More recently, he was appointed to lead Hezbollah's military buildup and rearmament efforts following the ceasefire that took effect nearly a year ago, on November 26, 2024.
International Context and Reactions
This targeted killing occurs against a backdrop of ongoing regional tension. An American official, cited by Israel's Channel 12, stated that the U.S. was aware Israel planned to escalate strikes in Lebanon but was not given advance notice of this specific operation's timing or target.
The United States had previously declared Tabatabai a specially designated global terrorist in October 2016 for his role in commanding Hezbollah operations in Syria and Yemen. Washington had set a reward of up to US$5 million for information leading to his capture.
Implications for Regional Stability
The airstrike represents a bold move by Israel, demonstrating its stated commitment to act against security threats "anywhere, at any time." It directly targets Hezbollah's efforts to rebuild its leadership and military capabilities after the conflict with Israel that began in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre.
The strike on the terrorist stronghold in southern Beirut signals a potential new phase in the conflict, testing the ceasefire that has been in place for approximately one year and raising concerns about a broader escalation in the region.
