An Israeli air strike hit the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut on Sunday without warning, the first since last year’s ceasefire.

Local media reported that the strike struck an apartment in the densely populated Haret Hreik area of Dahieh, south of the city.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the strike “in the heart of Beirut,” targeting what he described as “Hezbollah’s chief of staff”.

Israeli media identified him as Haytham Ali Tabatabai, claiming he was the group’s de facto military chief and second-in-command after Secretary-General Naim Qassem.

Hezbollah has yet to officially issue a comment.

A source from the group told Al-Araby TV that a senior figure was targeted, but there is no precise information about his identity.

Local media reported several people were wounded, but it was unclear if there were any fatalities. 

Israel and Hezbollah signed a ceasefire in November 2024, which ended months of clashes that escalated into full-scale war in September the same year.

Israel and Hezbollah signed a ceasefire in November 2024, ending months of clashes that had escalated into full-scale war in September 2024.

During the conflict, Israel killed Hezbollah’s longtime chief Hasan Nasrallah, his deputy, and several other senior figures, dealing a major blow to the group’s leadership and capabilities.

Israel has routinely violated the ceasefire since, carrying out air strikes deep inside Lebanese territory. According to the Lebanese health ministry, at least 331 people have been killed and around 1,000 wounded since the ceasefire took effect.

Most strikes occurred in southern Lebanon. On a few occasions, Israel targeted Dahieh but usually after issuing evacuation warnings.

Hezbollah has not launched any retaliatory attacks for nearly a year.

Israeli media and officials have recently suggested that Israel may launch another offensive against Lebanon, citing alleged attempts by Hezbollah to rebuild its capabilities.

More to follow…