Official MFA statement: IDF eliminates Hezbollah Chief of Staff in Beirut

Official Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Israel has eliminated today (Sunday, 23 November 2025) in Beirut the Chief of Staff of Hezbollah, who had worked to rebuild and expand Hezbollah’s military and terrorist capabilities.

Hezbollah’s Chief of Staff, Tatbai, has been listed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the U.S. Department of State since 2016. Throughout his years of activity, he led numerous terrorist operations against Israel, directed efforts to build Hezbollah’s terror army, and undermined regional stability.

His elimination came in response to Hezbollah’s repeated violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the 2024 ceasefire understandings, as well as the threat he posed to Israel and to regional stability.

the State of Israel has made clear, after it was attacked from Lebanon after October 7th, that it will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its military capabilities and once again threaten the security of Israel and its citizens. The organization’s aggressive actions constitute a clear violation of international obligations and agreements.

In addition, the efforts of the Lebanese government to address Hezbollah’s severe violations have failed so far, and Hezbollah has continued its attempts to restore and expand its military and terrorist capabilities.

Israel is committed to the full implementation of the ceasefire understandings and has reported hundreds of violations through the international mechanism led by the United States. The IDF will continue to act to defend the State of Israel, its citizens, and regional stability, with determination, responsibility, and precision.