Israel airstrike kills five in Beirut despite fragile ceasefire

An Israeli airstrike struck the southern suburb of Beirut on Sunday, killing at least five people and wounding about 25 others, the Lebanese Health Ministry said, deepening fears the U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah could unravel.

The attack hit the densely populated Haret Hreik neighborhood in the Dahieh district of Beirut. According to Israeli officials, the strike was aimed at Haytham Ali Tabatabai, whom they described as the de facto chief of staff of Hezbollah and a key military strategist in its rebuilding and re-arming efforts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strike was justified because Tabatabai “led the organization's force build-up and armament efforts,” and that Israel will not tolerate Hezbollah regaining strength. Israeli spokespeople stated that Israel makes such decisions independently and did not inform the United States in advance.

Lebanese authorities said the blast caused serious damage to residential buildings, cars, and infrastructure; hordes of people rushed out of their apartments in panic. The strike reportedly struck a main road, amplifying the impact on civilians.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the attack, calling for the international community, especially guarantors of the ceasefire, to intervene forcefully to stop further Israeli violations. Aoun argued that the strike undermines Lebanese sovereignty and could trigger a dangerous escalation.

Hezbollah, for its part, said that if Tabatabai was indeed killed, it would study the response “and take the appropriate decision.” The group warned that attacks like this cross a “new red line” and could spark a renewed cycle of violence.

The strike is the most serious Israeli attack on Beirut since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into force in November 2024. Although Israel says it continues to act to prevent Hezbollah from rearming, many in Lebanon view the operations as a blatant breach of the truce.

Sources: Reuters, Jago News24, Associated Press, The Guardian, Xinhu