The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed the elimination of Haytham Ali Tabatabai, Hezbollah's Chief of Staff, in a targeted strike in Beirut's Dahiyeh district. The operation, codenamed "Black Friday," was authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and carried out by the Israeli Air Force.
Tabatabai was a senior figure in Hezbollah, responsible for the group's military expansion and rearmament efforts. He had been designated a terrorist by the United States in 2016 and was wanted for leading Hezbollah's special forces in Syria and Yemen.
The strike resulted in five fatalities and 28 injuries, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The IDF stated that the operation aimed to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities and threatening Israel.
Hezbollah has acknowledged the targeting of a senior figure but has not confirmed Tabatabai's death. The group has warned of potential retaliation, with Deputy Head of the Political Council Mahmoud Qamati stating that "all options are on the table".




