Israel said it killed Hezbollah’s military chief, Abu Ali Al-Tabtabai, in an airstrike on Beirut’s Dahieh district, signaling a sharp escalation as a nearly year-old ceasefire with Lebanon faces growing strain.

The Israeli army described Al-Tabtabai as a key figure in Hezbollah’s hierarchy, second only to Secretary-General Naim Qassem.

Daylight attack leaves casualties

The daytime strike killed five civilians and injured 28, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation aimed to thwart Al-Tabtabai’s efforts to bolster Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

Hezbollah confirmed the death and warned it would strengthen jihadists. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, stating it demonstrated Israel’s disregard for repeated c

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