Israel strikes Beirut for first time in months, killing Hezbollah chief of staff

An Israeli airstrike has struck Lebanon's capital Beirut for the first time in months, killing Hezbollah's chief of staff.

In a statement to the media, Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Haytham Ali Tabtabai had been "eliminated", describing him as "a master of murders".

"I thank the IDF and the security forces for carrying out a professional, precise and successful operation today," he added.

Hezbollah also confirmed the official's death shortly after.

Lebanon's Health Ministry has said at least five people were killed and 28 others were wounded in the targeted Israeli strike.

Smoke could be seen in the busy Haret Hreik neighbourhood, with one video circulated on social media showing dozens of people crowded around the area of the strike, which appeared to be on an apartment building.

Israel did not issue an evacuation warning.

Residents told Reuters news agency they heard the roar of warplanes before the blast.

Gunshots were fired to disperse the crowds as rescue workers and firefighters reached the damaged building. The Lebanese military cordoned off the area.

Who was Hezbollah military leader Haytham Ali Tabtabai?

Haytham Ali Tabtabai had led Hezbollah's elite Radwan Unit. In 2016, the US designated him as a terrorist and offered up to $5m in exchange for information on him.

He had been the apparent successor of Ibrahim Aqil, who was killed in Israeli attacks in September 2024 that wiped out much of Hezbollah's senior leadership, including longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah.

This was the first Israeli airstrike on Beirut since June and comes days before Pope Leo is scheduled to visit Lebanon.

Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon have intensified in recent weeks. Israel says Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities there, which the Lebanese government has denied.

Mr Netanyahu said in his statement on Sunday evening: "The policy I am leading is absolutely clear: Under my leadership, the State of Israel will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its power, and we will not allow it to once again pose a threat to the State of Israel."

Hezbollah is one of the most heavily armed non-state groups in the world and regarded as an Iranian proxy force.

It is a sworn enemy of Israel and has openly called for the destruction of the "Zionist regime in Palestine".

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The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire explained
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Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to rearm since a US-backed ceasefire last year. The militant group says it has abided by requirements for it to end its military presence near the Lebanon-Israel border and for the Lebanese army to deploy there.

Lebanon and United Nations peacekeepers have criticised the ongoing Israeli attacks, accusing them of violating the ceasefire agreement.

(c) Sky News 2025: Israel strikes Beirut for first time in months, killing Hezbollah chief of staff