Israel Attack Hezbollah Military Leader in Beirut Operation

The Israeli military allegedly attacked the top military official of the Lebanese Iran-aligned group Hezbollah in a airstrike on the capital's southern suburbs, per the Israeli prime minister's office on the weekend.

This represented the first strike in several months on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, an area renowned for hosting officials from the group.

Target Named as Ali Tabtabai

The objective of the operation was the commanding officer the Hezbollah chief of staff, according to an Israeli source knowledgeable of the strike and a security official in Lebanon. The prime minister's office did not confirm whether Tabtabai was eliminated.

US Notification Particulars

A high-ranking American official indicated that Israel did not alert the US administration in advance about the strike, according to a social media post.

The official clarified that the US government was notified immediately after the incident, and a another American official mentioned that the US had known for days that Israel was intending to intensify attacks in Lebanon.

Background on the Military Leader

The United States imposed penalties on Tabtabai in 2016, classifying him as a prominent military figure in the group and offering a incentive of up to $5m for information on him.

Strike Details and Aftermath

The strike hit a primary street in the capital's southern suburbs, where inhabitants mentioned hearing the sound of warplanes before the detonation.

Residents fled out of their residences out of concern of additional attacks, as stated by a journalist in the area.

At least two people were lost their lives and two dozen were hurt and rushed to clinics in the area, according to health officials.

There was no quick statement from Hezbollah.

Recent Israel's Campaign

Israeli strikes on Hezbollah over the recent period have killed its former leader Hassan Nasrallah, a significant part of the group's top military brass and about five thousand combatants.

Comments from Israeli Leadership

The prime minister addressed his government ministers on the morning of the incident before the attack that the country would continue to combat “terrorism” on several fronts.

“We shall carry on to do all that is required to prevent the group from rebuilding its ability to endanger our security,” he stated.

Broader Situation

Israel has stepped up airstrikes in south Lebanon, pressing a operation of frequent strikes that it says is aimed to block a resurgence of forces by the faction in the border area.

Israel has charged the group of trying to acquire arms since a truce supported by the US recently.

The group asserts it has abided by requirements for it to end its military presence in the frontier area near the Israeli border, and for the national army to deploy there.