The attack without warning hit a residential building in Haret Hreik, the number of casualties is still unknown, and Hezbollah has not yet commented. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the attack targeted"Hezbollah's chief of staff," a person who, according to IDF , oversaw the organization's reconstruction, logistics and rearmament.
#BREAKING Israel says it targeted a senior Hezbollah official in Beirut.— The Global Monitor (@theglobal4u) November 23, 2025
Israeli warplanes launched a powerful and precise strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting the main street in Haret Hreik, the heart of Hezbollah's strongholds. The target was an apartment building that, according to Israeli claims, housed one of the highest-ranking figures within the organization.
The office of Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that the operation was carried out according to his personal approval and that the Israeli army"operated in the very heart of Beirut".
The IDF then announced that it was a"senior operative" and that the attack was carried out precisely and without prior warning. Israel's Channel 14 stated that the target of the assassination was Abu Ali Tabatabai, whom Israeli security services consider" the second man" of Hezbollah. Channel 12 suggests that the operation was coordinated with the US, although US sources give conflicting information on the extent of cooperation.
On the ground, an Israeli strike hit a residential building, causing extensive material damage to cars and surrounding buildings. According to the reports, two missiles were fired at the building, and the emergency services quickly arrived and transported the injured. The number of victims is still being determined.
Hezbollah has so far neither confirmed nor denied that a high-ranking official was killed in the attack, which is the organization's usual practice as it assesses the situation and prepares a response. Such silence often indicates internal consultations or that the organization is still assessing the consequences before making a public announcement.

