Driving the news:
The Resistance movement issued an extensive statement declaring that al-Tabtabai “ascended as a martyr in sacrifice for Lebanon and its people,” positioning the strike as part of Israel’s broader military campaign against Lebanon’s resistance front.
Why it matters:
Al-Tabtabai is regarded as one of Hezbollah’s most seasoned military minds, a figure deeply involved in structuring the movement’s defense architecture since its early years. His killing signals a significant Israeli escalation and is expected to energize resistance operations along the Lebanon–Palestine front.
What he is saying: (Hezbollah statement)
Hezbollah emphasized that:
“The great commander joined his martyred brothers after a long period of waiting for the meeting with Allah Almighty, following a life filled with jihad, sincerity, dedication, and steadfastness on the path of resistance.”
“He knew no fatigue or hesitation in defending his land and people.”
“Allah bestowed upon him the lofty honor of martyrdom, and his great sacrifice will inspire his brothers in the resistance with renewed hope, determination, and strength to persist on this path.”
His blood will empower fighters “to continue with steadfastness and courage to thwart all the schemes of the Zionist enemy and its sponsor, America.”
In a second extended statement, the movement added:
“He never knew exhaustion or hesitation in the defense of his land and his people, dedicating his life to the resistance since its earliest days.”
“God has honored him with the noble medal of martyrdom. His great martyrdom will bring renewed hope, determination, and strength to his brothers in the resistance.”
“The fighters will carry his pure blood … and they will move forward with steadfastness and courage to thwart every project of the Zionist enemy and its patron, America.”
The group also offered condolences to “the Master of the Age (may God hasten his reappearance)” and to the families of all martyrs.
State of play:
Israel struck a residential apartment in Haret Hreik on Sunday afternoon. The attack killed five people and wounded 28, according to local officials. Commercial shops and nearby buildings sustained extensive damage.
Mustafa Asaad Berro, Qassem Hussein Berjawi, and Rifaat Ahmad Hussein were also assassinated alongside Chief of Staff Haitham Ali Tabtabai in Israel's strike on Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburb.
Zoom in:
Haret Hreik is not only a symbolic stronghold for Hezbollah but also a densely inhabited civilian district. The strike’s location increases fears of a broader Israeli targeting policy across Lebanon’s urban centers.
Go deeper:
Israel Breaches Ceasefire, Continues Terrorist Attacks on Lebanon
Zohre Khazaee - Hossein Vaez
