Five Killed in Israeli Strike in Lebanon, Including Senior Hezbollah Commander

Israel has killed a senior Hezbollah commander along with four others in an attack on the southwestern outskirts of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut. The Israeli military confirmed the incident on Sunday (23 November). Hezbollah later acknowledged the death of its commander.

According to the Israeli military, the slain Hezbollah leader, Haitham Ali Al-Tabtabai, served as the group’s Chief of Staff and held several key responsibilities.

Arab News reported that Al-Tabtabai was considered the second most important figure within Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health stated that the attack left at least five people dead and 28 others injured. The strike targeted a residential building in the densely populated Dahieh district.

Confirming Al-Tabtabai’s death, Hezbollah said that Israel had crossed a “serious red line” by carrying out the strike.

Israel launched the attack despite a ceasefire currently in place between the two sides. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, has been effective since last November. This marks Israel’s first strike in southern Beirut in recent months.

Israeli officials allege that Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities, smuggling weapons into Lebanon, and increasing the production of explosive drones as alternatives to rockets and missiles, escalating fears of renewed tensions.

Source: BBC

Khaborwala/TSN