Israel: Assassination of Hezbollah military chief is response to ceasefire violations, Beirut failing to address them

Israel’s elimination of Haytham Ali Tabatabai, Hezbollah’s de facto chief of staff, 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,” says the Foreign Ministry.

Israel, says the ministry in a statement, “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.”

The Lebanese government has failed to address Hezbollah’s violations, says Israel, while Hezbollah is working to “restore and expand” its military 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,” says the Foreign Ministry. “The IDF will continue to act to defend the State of Israel, its citizens, and regional stability, with determination, responsibility, and precision.”