Israel strikes Beirut for first time in months, saying it killed Hezbollah chief of staff

An Israeli airstrike has struck Lebanon's capital Beirut for the first time in months.

Israel's military said it targeted and killed Hezbollah's chief of staff, Ali Tabtabai.

The deputy chair of Hezbollah's political council, Mahmoud Qamati, told journalists a high-ranking militant may have been killed but did not share further details.

Lebanon's Health Ministry has said at least five people were killed and 25 others have been wounded.

Smoke could be seen in the busy Haret Hreik neighbourhood, with one video circulated on social media showing dozens of people crowded around the area of the strike, which appeared to be on an apartment building.

Residents told Reuters news agency they heard the roar of warplanes before the blast.

Gunshots were fired to disperse the crowds as rescue workers and firefighters reached the damaged building. The Lebanese military cordoned off the area.

Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Sunday afternoon: "A short while ago, in the heart of Beirut, the IDF attacked the Hezbollah Chief of Staff, who had been leading the terrorist organisation's build-up and rearmament.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the attack upon the recommendation of the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff.

"Israel is determined to act to achieve its objectives everywhere and at all times."

It is the first Israeli airstrike on Beirut since June and comes days before Pope Leo is scheduled to visit Lebanon.

Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon have intensified in recent weeks. Israel says Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities there, which the Lebanese government has denied.

Hezbollah is one of the most heavily armed non-state groups in the world and regarded as an Iranian proxy force.

It is a sworn enemy of Israel and has openly called for the destruction of the "Zionist regime in Palestine".

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Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to rearm since a US-backed ceasefire last year. The militant group says it has abided by requirements for it to end its military presence near the Lebanon-Israel border and for the Lebanese army to deploy there.

Lebanon and United Nations peacekeepers have criticised the ongoing Israeli attacks, accusing them of violating the ceasefire agreement.

(c) Sky News 2025: Israel strikes Beirut for first time in months, saying it killed Hezbollah chief of staff