Israeli Military Confirms Elimination of Haitham Ali Tabataba’i, Acting Hezbollah Chief of Staff

Jerusalem, 23 november, 2025 (TPS-IL) — The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) confirmed it eliminated in an airstrike in the Beirut area on Sunday Haitham Ali Tabataba’i, acting Chief of Staff of the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

Tabataba’i was a veteran and central activist in the terrorist organization, joining its ranks in the 1980s and since then has held a series of senior positions, including commander of the ‘Radwan Force’ unit and in charge of operations for the hezbollah terrorist organization in Syria. As part of his role in Syria, he strengthened Hezbollah’s establishment in the country.

Throughout his years in the organization, he developed and strengthened Hezbollah’s capabilities. In addition, he was a significant factor in the development of the ‘Radwan Force’ unit. Tabataba’i led the top brass of Hezbollah and, in light of his connections and capabilities, was a significant center of knowledge and power in Hezbollah.

The U.S. once offered a $5 million reward for information on Tabataba’i, who previously led the terror group’s special forces in Syria and Yemen.

The IDF said it will “act against attempts to rehabilitate and rearm the terrorist organization Hezbollah, and will act forcefully to remove any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel,” and that it, “continues to be committed to the understandings agreed upon between the State of Israel and Lebanon.”