Hezbollah Commander Killed in Israeli Strike as Tensions Rise in Lebanon

Hezbollah Commander Killed in Israeli Strike as Tensions Rise in Lebanon
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Hezbollah announced on Sunday that one of its senior military commanders was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Reuters reported. The group confirmed the death of Ali Tabatabai, describing him as a key figure within its military structure, and said four additional members were also killed in the strike.

The Israeli military said it targeted Beirut’s southern suburb as part of an operation to eliminate Tabatabai, despite a ceasefire that has been in place since November 2024. Israeli officials stated that the decision was approved at the highest levels, alleging that the commander played a central role in strengthening Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that the airstrike resulted in five fatalities and left 28 people injured. The attack is the latest in a series of Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern districts since the ceasefire, with a similar incident recorded in June.

Tensions along the Lebanon–Israel border have escalated for weeks, as Israeli forces continue near-daily air raids targeting what they say are Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure. According to Lebanese authorities, at least 331 people have been killed and nearly 1,000 injured by Israeli fire since the truce began.

The UN peacekeeping mission has also documented more than 10,000 Israeli air and ground violations. Under the ceasefire terms, Israel was expected to withdraw fully from southern Lebanon in January, but has only partially pulled back and continues to hold several border positions.