Israeli Strike Kills Hezbollah Military Commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai in Beirut

BEIRUT, Lebanon — November 23, 2025 — Haytham Ali Tabatabai, a senior Hezbollah military commander, was killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike in Beirut, according to officials familiar with the operation. The strike marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the strike and described Tabatabai as a “mass murderer,” announcing a $5 million bounty on his head prior to the attack. Israeli authorities identified Tabatabai as Hezbollah’s chief of staff and a key figure in the group’s military operations.

The strike took place in the Lebanese capital, where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence. Lebanese security sources reported that the attack targeted a specific location in Beirut linked to Hezbollah’s military leadership. The operation underscores Israel’s continued efforts to weaken Hezbollah’s command structure amid rising tensions in the region.

Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group and political party based in Lebanon, has been engaged in intermittent conflict with Israel for decades. The group is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and several other countries. Hezbollah officials have not yet issued a formal response to the strike.

The killing of Tabatabai could have significant implications for the already volatile security situation in Lebanon and across the broader Middle East. Analysts say the move may provoke retaliatory actions by Hezbollah, which could escalate into wider hostilities.

Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that they will take preemptive measures to neutralize threats posed by Hezbollah’s military capabilities, which include an extensive arsenal of rockets and missiles. The group’s leadership has been targeted in the past, but the elimination of a top commander in Beirut itself is a notable development.

Lebanese authorities have condemned the strike as a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty. The Lebanese government has called for restraint to prevent further destabilization in the region. The United Nations and other international bodies have also urged all parties to avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions.

The situation remains fluid as intelligence and military officials from multiple countries monitor developments closely. The strike comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to address security concerns in the Middle East, including talks involving regional powers and international stakeholders.

This incident highlights the persistent challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability in a region marked by complex alliances and longstanding conflicts. The international community continues to watch for any signs of escalation following the targeted killing of a key Hezbollah figure in Beirut.