'Israeli' army claims killing of Hezbollah military chief Haytham Ali Tabatabai

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) confirmed on Sunday, November 23, 2025, that it had reportedly killed Haytham Ali “Abu Ali” Tabatabai, the de facto military chief of Hezbollah.

The strike hit the densely populated Haret Hreik neighborhood in the Dahieh district, a known Hezbollah stronghold. 'Israeli' officials say the operation specifically targeted Tabatabai, whom they identify as Hezbollah’s chief of staff and second-in-command after Secretary-General Naim Qassem.

Casualty figures are still being verified, with Lebanese health authorities reporting at least five deaths and some 25 injuries in the strike. However, neither Hezbollah nor independent Lebanese sources have yet confirmed whether Tabatabai himself died in the attack.

Tabatabai has been sanctioned by the United States since 2016, with a reward of up to US$5 million offered for information leading to his capture. If confirmed, his death would mark a significant escalation in hostilities, being the first large-scale attack inside Beirut in months and potentially breaching the terms of the cease-fire between 'Israel' and Hezbollah. The killing of such a senior commander could alter the balance within Hezbollah’s military leadership and provoke intensified retaliatory actions.

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reported to have ordered the strike, citing the need to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capacity. A spokesperson for the 'Israeli' government stated that Israel “will not allow Hezbollah to re-establish its capability” to threaten 'Israeli' territory.

In Beirut, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, describing it as an additional sign of disregard for repeated calls to halt aggression and restore regional stability.