‘Israeli’ strike on Dahieh underscores refusal to de-escalate: Lebanese President
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Lebanese President Aoun condemns the 'Israeli' strike on Beirut’s Dahieh, calling it evidence that 'Israel' ignores repeated calls to halt aggression and restore regional stability.
Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun on Sunday condemned an 'Israeli' airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburb, describing the attack, which coincided with Lebanon’s Independence Day anniversary, as “further evidence that 'Israel' pays no heed to the repeated calls to halt its aggression against Lebanon.”
Aoun said 'Israel' “refuses to implement international resolutions and rejects all efforts and initiatives aimed at curbing escalation and restoring stability not only to Lebanon, but to the entire region.”
Reaffirming Lebanon’s stance, the president added: “Lebanon, which has complied with the cessation of hostilities for nearly a year and has repeatedly offered initiatives, renews its call on the international community to assume its responsibilities and intervene forcefully and seriously to stop attacks on Lebanon and its people, in order to prevent any deterioration that could reignite regional tensions and spare further bloodshed.”
Strike Targets High-Ranking Hezbollah Figure
The 'Israeli' strike shook Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahieh, with warplanes targeting the Haret Hreik district, a stronghold of Hezbollah. According to informed sources, the operation was aimed at a senior military figure: Haitham Ali Tabtabai, known by his nom de guerre Abu Ali Tabtabai, whom a senior Hezbollah source later confirmed to Al Jazeera as “the number two figure in Hezbollah.”
'Israeli' media described Tabtabai as a “strategic catch,” portraying him as the group’s second-in-command after Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem. The latest incident marks the third reported attempt to assassinate the high-ranking commander, who is said to have survived two previous attempts.
A Key Military Strategist
Tabtabai is believed to hold a prominent military leadership post within Hezbollah. Over recent years, he reportedly commanded the group’s elite forces, including the Radwan unit. His responsibilities have extended beyond Lebanon, with alleged oversight of operations in Syria and Yemen.
Recent reports indicate he had been working alongside senior official Mohammed Haidar on a sensitive portfolio focused on rebuilding and enhancing Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
Of mixed Iranian–Lebanese heritage, Tabtabai is based in Lebanon and is said to have risen steadily through the group’s military ranks to reach its upper echelons.
He is not only a target for 'Israel': the United States lists him as a wanted individual and has offered a US$5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
