Netanyahu Announces Killing of Hezbollah Leader
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared on Sunday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have eliminated Hezbollah’s chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, in Beirut. Netanyahu labeled Tabatabai a “mass murderer,” attributing responsibility for multiple attacks against Israelis and Americans to him.
In his remarks, Netanyahu framed the action as part of Israel’s ongoing campaign to dismantle Hezbollah’s leadership and thwart the group’s attempts to rebuild its arsenal following recent military operations. He emphasized that Israel would not accept any future threats emanating from Lebanon and called on the Lebanese government to take steps to disarm Hezbollah.
“A few hours ago, the Israeli Defense Forces took out Ali Tabatabai, the chief of staff of the terrorist organization Hezbollah,” Netanyahu stated. “Tabatabai’s hands are stained with the blood of many Israelis and Americans, and the U.S. has put a $5 million bounty on him for a reason.”
According to Netanyahu, Tabatabai was a senior commander planning to invade Galilee with the intent to harm Israeli civilians.
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Netanyahu remarked that Tabatabai played a crucial role in Hezbollah’s rearmament efforts following significant losses during Operation Pager, which included damage to their missile stockpiles and the death of their leader, Nasrallah.
“I want to express my gratitude to the IDF and security forces for executing a precise and successful operation today,” Netanyahu said. “My policy is straightforward: Under my leadership, Israel will not let Hezbollah regain power or pose a threat again.”
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He expressed hope that the Lebanese government would meet its obligation to disarm Hezbollah, suggesting that only then could a better future for all Lebanese people be achieved and good, secure relations between Israel and Lebanon established.
Additionally, Netanyahu commended President Donald Trump for pledging to classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, claiming it jeopardizes stability throughout the Middle East.
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Hezbollah confirmed Tabatabai’s death via a post on its Telegram account, marking a significant loss for the organization. The caption read: “Lebanon Islamic Resistance Movement – Hezbollah. Great Jihadist Leader Haitham Ali Tabatabai (Sayed Abu Ali), 1968-2025.”
Earlier in the day, Netanyahu’s office announced that the IDF’s operation in Beirut was executed at the recommendation of the Minister of Defense and the IDF Chief of Staff. Following the action, Defense Minister Israel Katz asserted that Israel would continue to respond decisively to threats from Lebanon.
“Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will find their hand cut off,” Katz declared. “We are committed to ensuring that there is no return to the situation before October 7.”
