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Israeli forces reportedly targeted the top military official of the Lebanese Iran-backed faction Hezbollah in a operation on Beirut's southern district, as stated by the Israeli prime minister's office on the weekend.

This was the first attack in months on the southern district of the Lebanese capital, an area renowned for housing officials from the group.

Objective Identified as Ali Tabtabai

The objective of the strike was the army leader the Hezbollah chief of staff, per an Israeli source informed about the strike and a Lebanese security source. The PM's office did not confirm whether Tabtabai was eliminated.

American Alert Details

A high-ranking American official revealed that Israeli authorities did not alert Washington prior about the airstrike, as mentioned in a social media post.

The authority clarified that the administration was notified immediately after the strike, and a second senior US official said that the United States had known for several days that Israel was intending to escalate operations in Lebanon.

Background on the Target

The United States enforced sanctions on Tabtabai in 2016, classifying him as a key Hezbollah military leader and providing a incentive of up to five million dollars for details on him.

Attack Particulars and Consequences

The strike hit a central avenue in the capital's southern area, where locals stated noticing the roar of aircraft before the explosion.

People fled out of their residences out of concern of further strikes, per a correspondent in the area.

At least two people were killed and approximately 24 were wounded and rushed to clinics in the area, as reported by medical sources.

There was no quick statement from the organization.

Ongoing Israeli Campaign

Attacks by Israel on Hezbollah over the last two years have eliminated its previous chief Hassan Nasrallah, much of the senior military leadership and about 5,000 fighters.

Comments from Prime Minister

The Israeli leader informed his cabinet on the morning of the incident before the attack that the country would continue to combat “terrorism” on multiple fronts.

“We shall carry on to do whatever is necessary to hinder Hezbollah from rebuilding its capability to threaten us,” he stated.

Wider Context

Israel has escalated bombing raids in south Lebanon, continuing a operation of frequent strikes that it claims is designed to prevent a military revival by the faction in the boundary zone.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of attempting to restock weapons since a US-backed ceasefire recently.

The faction says it has complied with requirements for it to end its troop placement in the frontier area near Israel, and for the national army to position there.