HARET HREIK, Lebanon — In a significant escalation, Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut on Sunday, marking its first attack on the Lebanese capital since June. The Israeli military reported that the strike killed Haytham Tabtabai, Hezbollah's chief of staff, and resulted in the deaths of five others, with 25 more injured, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Hezbollah confirmed Tabtabai's death and warned that the attack could lead to increased violence, coinciding with Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit to Lebanon.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, "We will continue to act forcefully to prevent any threat to the residents of the north and the state of Israel." The Israeli military advised residents in northern Israel to maintain their daily routines, suggesting they do not expect a retaliatory strike from Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Tabtabai of spearheading Hezbollah's rearmament efforts. Recent weeks have seen a rise in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, as both Israel and the United States have urged the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah. The Lebanese government, which supports disarmament, has denied claims that Hezbollah is rebuilding its military capabilities, citing a lack of resources for its own military.

Since the ceasefire that began last year, Hezbollah has not launched any attacks against Israel, although it did fire rockets in December as a warning. Tabtabai was seen as a successor to Ibrahim Aqil, who was killed in September 2024 during Israeli operations that decimated much of Hezbollah's leadership. Tabtabai also led Hezbollah's elite Radwan Unit and was designated a terrorist by the U.S. in 2016, which offered a reward for information leading to his capture.

Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah's political council, stated, "Hezbollah’s leadership is studying the matter of response and will take the appropriate decision," indicating that the group may retaliate. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement and calling for international intervention to halt attacks on Lebanon.

The airstrike caused visible damage in the Haret Hreik neighborhood, with smoke rising from the area. Eyewitnesses reported gunfire as emergency responders arrived. Ali Ammar, a Hezbollah parliamentarian, asserted that the area was civilian and devoid of military presence. Local resident Maryam Assaf expressed defiance, stating, "They want to take our weapons. But our weapons will not be taken."

In a recent statement, President Aoun indicated Lebanon's willingness to negotiate with Israel to cease airstrikes and withdraw from occupied territories. Hezbollah has maintained that discussions regarding its military capabilities should occur through dialogue with the Lebanese state, contingent on an end to Israeli attacks.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated significantly on October 8, 2023, following a Hamas attack on southern Israel, which prompted Hezbollah to fire rockets in solidarity. The subsequent war resulted in over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, including many civilians, and caused extensive destruction estimated at $11 billion. In Israel, 127 fatalities were reported, including 80 soldiers.

In a related development, an Israeli strike on Tuesday killed 13 individuals in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh, marking the deadliest incident since the ceasefire. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a Hamas facility, a claim that Hamas denied.

Additionally, Israeli army chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced sanctions against 13 military officials for failures related to the October 7 attack, which included censure and forced retirements. Zamir emphasized the need for accountability, citing a "severe, resounding and systemic failure" in protecting Israelis during the attack.