In a new development, Israel has eliminated another top Hezbollah leader known as ‘War Planner’ in the attacks on Lebanon’s capital, Beirut. The IDF claimed to have killed Hezbollah’s top commander and Chief of General Staff, Haitham Tabatabai. A statement issued by the Israeli army said that they had killed extremist Haitham Ali in the attack in Beirut. Lebanon also confirmed the attack, although it did not mention Haitham’s death.
Who was Haytham Tabatabai?
Haytham Tabatabai was the most feared military commander of Hezbollah, the terrorist organisation that rules Lebanon. Haitham is credited with strengthening Hezbollah’s elite special forces, the Radwan Unit, and training fighters in guerrilla tactics and fast-paced attacks. Over the past decade, he had become so notorious that the US designated him a global terrorist in 2016. A reward of $5 million (about ₹40 crore) was offered for just information leading to his capture. The Radwan Unit is known for carrying out attacks on Israel and across the border.
According to US reports, Haitham is linked to war crimes not only in Israel but in other countries as well. He is accused of directing Hezbollah’s special forces operations in Syria and assisting and training Houthi rebels in Yemen. The US State Department has described him as a key commander of Hezbollah’s special forces.
Israel had made several attempts to eliminate Haytham Tabatabai
Israel had tried to kill him once before in 2015 in southern Syria. That attack killed Jihad Mughniyeh, the son of senior Hezbollah leader Imad Mughniyeh. After many of Hezbollah’s top leaders were killed by the IDF in late 2024, he rose even higher in the organisation.
He is seen as an important figure in Hezbollah’s cross-border attacks, supply networks, and links with Iran-backed militias. Because of this role, he is considered one of the most senior leaders in Hezbollah after Naim Qassem.
