The raid on the densely populated Haret Hreik district killed at least five people and wounded 28 others, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The strike, carried out by Israeli warplanes following intense low-altitude drone surveillance, hit the fourth and fifth floors of a ten-story building on Al-Areed Street, causing fires and significant structural damage to the targeted complex and adjacent properties.
Video: YouTube, Middle East Eye
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the operation, stating the strike was ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon the recommendation of the Defense Minister and the IDF Chief of Staff. Israeli officials identified the target as Tabataba’i, a secretive and high-ranking figure believed to be Hezbollah’s second-in-command.
Tabataba’i, who was designated a global terrorist by the United States in 2016, has long been considered a key architect of Hezbollah’s force buildup. He reportedly commanded the group’s special forces operations in Syria and Yemen. While Israeli security sources expressed confidence that the strike was successful, there was no immediate confirmation regarding Tabataba’i’s condition from Hezbollah or Lebanese officials.
"Israel is determined to pursue its objectives anywhere and at any time," Netanyahu told the Security Cabinet, emphasizing that the IDF operates "independently" to thwart threats. The strike has sparked diplomatic friction regarding US involvement; while Israeli officials initially implied Washington was briefed in advance, US sources reportedly claimed they were notified only as the operation was underway.
Video: YouTube, Al Jazeera
The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from Lebanese leadership. President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, denounced the strike, which coincided with Lebanon’s independence anniversary. He described the bombardment of the southern suburbs as "further proof" that Israel disregards international resolutions and the ongoing calls for de-escalation.
"Lebanon... renews its call to the international community to assume its responsibility and intervene strongly," President Aoun stated, warning that such actions threaten to unravel the fragile stability established by the ceasefire agreement of November 27, 2024.
Tensions have been mounting along the Blue Line, with both sides trading accusations of violating the year-old truce. Israel claims Hezbollah is rearming and rebuilding infrastructure in prohibited zones, while Lebanon accuses Israel of persistent violations of its airspace and sovereignty.
Sunday’s violence was not limited to Beirut. Earlier in the day, an Israeli strike on the southern town of Ayta al-Shab killed one person, and the IDF reported hitting additional Hezbollah targets, including weapons storage facilities, in the Bekaa Valley.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a statement following the escalation, reiterating that respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity and the implementation of Resolution 1701 remain "pivotal" to preventing a wider regional conflict.