The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) confirmed on Sunday, November 23, 2025, that it had reportedly killed Haytham Ali “Abu Ali” Tabatabai, the de facto military chief of Hezbollah.

The strike hit the densely populated Haret Hreik neighborhood in the Dahieh district, a known Hezbollah stronghold. 'Israeli' officials say the operation specifically targeted Tabatabai, whom they identify as Hezbollah’s chief of staff and second-in-command after Secretary-General Naim Qassem.

Casualty figures are still being verified, with Lebanese health authorities reporting at least five deaths and some 25 injuries in the strike. However, neither Hezbollah nor independent Lebanese sources have yet confirmed whether Tabatabai himself died in the attack.