Camilla Jessen
Senior Hezbollah leader killed in Beirut; Tehran threatens retaliation.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated again after Israel killed Hezbollah military leader Haitham Ali Tabatabai in an airstrike on the southern outskirts of Beirut.
In response to one of the most high-profile assassinations since last year’s war, Tehran has vowed revenge and increased its pressure on Lebanon over Hezbollah’s armed presence.
AFP, via Agerpres, reported that Hezbollah buried Tabatabai on Monday, one day after the strike.
Funeral in Beirut
Hundreds of Hezbollah supporters gathered in the movement’s stronghold in Beirut’s southern suburbs to mourn the commander, whom the group described as a “great leader.”
Though not widely known among the Lebanese public, Tabatabai was the most senior Hezbollah figure killed since the end of last year’s conflict, which also saw the deaths of several top officials, including the group’s longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Iran lashes out
Tehran, Hezbollah’s main sponsor, condemned the assassination as a “cowardly” act.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the “axis of resistance” — a network of Tehran-backed armed groups opposing Israel — had the “right” to “avenge the blood of the brave fighters of Islam.”
Israel has intensified strikes on Lebanese territory in recent weeks, despite the ceasefire, saying it is targeting Hezbollah operatives and assets it claims are being rebuilt.
Hezbollah denies rearming and accuses Israel of violating Lebanese sovereignty.
Sources: AFP, Agerpres, Digi24
