Israel Says It Killed a Senior Hezbollah Official in Its First Strike on Beirut in Months

BEIRUT, LEBANON – NOVEMBER 23: Security forces, civil defense, and firefighting teams arrive at the scene following an Israeli attack which killed five people and injured 28 violating the ceasefire in Dahieh region of Beirut, Lebanon on November 23, 2025. (Photo by Houssam Shbaro/Anadolu via Getty Images)

HARET HREIK, Lebanon (AP) — Israel has struck Lebanon’s capital for the first time since June, saying it killed Hezbollah’s chief of staff and warning the Iran-backed militant group not to rearm and rebuild. Sunday’s strike in Beirut was launched almost a year after a ceasefire ended the latest Israel-Hezbollah war. Hezbollah confirmed the killing of Haytham Tabtabai and said the strike threatened an escalation of attacks. The strike came days before Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Lebanon. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said five people were killed and 25 wounded. Israeli airstrikes over southern Lebanon have intensified while it pressures Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah.