🔗 Share this article Israel Strike Hezbollah Chief of Staff in Beirut Airstrike The Israeli military reportedly struck the top military official of the Lebanese Iran-backed group the Hezbollah organization in a airstrike on Beirut's southern district, as stated by the office of the Israeli PM on Sunday. This was the initial airstrike in months on the southern district of the Lebanese capital, an area recognized for hosting officials from the group. Objective Identified as Ali Tabtabai The objective of the strike was the commanding officer the Hezbollah chief of staff, according to an Israeli source briefed on the incident and a Lebanese security source. The prime minister's office did not reveal whether the official was eliminated. US Notification Particulars A high-ranking American official revealed that Israel failed to inform the US administration prior about the strike, according to a online report. The official added that the US government was informed immediately after the incident, and a another American official stated that the United States had known for days that Israel was planning to intensify strikes in the country. History on the Military Leader The United States enforced sanctions on Tabtabai in recent years, classifying him as a critical Hezbollah military leader and announcing a reward of up to $5m for information on him. Attack Details and Aftermath The strike hit a primary street in Beirut's southern suburbs, where locals mentioned hearing the noise of aircraft before the blast. Residents fled out of their homes out of fear of more bombings, according to a journalist in the zone. At least two people were lost their lives and two dozen were hurt and taken to medical facilities in the area, as reported by health officials. There was no immediate comment from the organization. Ongoing Israel's Operations Israeli strikes on Hezbollah over the last two years have killed its previous chief the group's past leader, a significant part of the senior military leadership and about 5,000 fighters. Statements from Israeli Leadership The prime minister informed his government ministers on the morning of the incident before the attack that the country would continue to confront “militant activities” on several fronts. “Our efforts will persist to do all that is required to prevent the group from re-establishing its capacity to endanger our security,” he stated. Broader Situation Israeli forces has stepped up air attacks in the southern region, continuing a campaign of regular assaults that it claims is designed to block a resurgence of forces by the faction in the border area. Israel has charged the group of attempting to acquire arms since a American-endorsed peace agreement the previous year. The group says it has abided by requirements for it to end its armed deployment in the frontier area near the Israeli border, and for the military forces to position there.