Israel has carried out an air strike on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, for the first time in months, targeting a senior member of the militant group Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the target was Hezbollah's chief of staff, identified by Israeli media as Ali Tabtai, who is considered the group’s number two figure.
Lebanon's health ministry reported that at least five people were killed and 28 others wounded in the strike, which struck an apartment building in the densely populated Dahieh district. It was not immediately confirmed if Tabtai was among those killed.
Hezbollah confirmed that the strike targeted a senior commander, but did not disclose their identity.
This attack comes amid increased Israeli strikes on individuals and targets linked to Hezbollah, coinciding with a ceasefire brokered by the US and France last November.
Israeli officials allege that Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities, smuggling weapons into Lebanon, and enhancing the production of explosive drones as alternatives to rockets and missiles. This has raised concerns over a potential escalation in hostilities.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has called upon the international community to pressure Israel to halt its attacks and withdraw from Lebanon, claiming that these actions violate the agreements that ended 13 months of prior conflict.
While the Lebanese government seeks to disarm Hezbollah, the group remains resistant to discussions regarding its arms until Israel ceases its assaults, withdraws completely from Lebanon, and releases Lebanese prisoners.
A Western diplomatic official revealed that the Lebanese authorities are under increased pressure from the Trump administration, which is frustrated with the perceived slow progress against Hezbollah, classified as a terrorist organization by the US and UK.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah reignited after Hezbollah began launching rockets at Israeli positions following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, stating it acted in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Lebanese officials claim Israeli attacks have resulted in approximately 4,000 deaths, including many civilians, and displaced over 1.2 million residents. Israeli authorities state that the conflict has led to the deaths of more than 80 Israeli soldiers and 47 civilians.
The US government previously imposed sanctions on Tabtai in 2016, labeling him a terrorist, and has offered a reward of $5 million for information leading to him.
