BEIRUT — Israel’s military has killed a senior Hezbollah commander in an air strike on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, despite the ceasefire agreed last November.

The military said Haitham Ali al-Tabtabai, Hezbollah’s chief of staff and a veteran figure within the group, was targeted in Dahieh, the densely populated district that serves as the movement’s stronghold.

Lebanon’s health ministry said at least five people were killed and 28 wounded in the strike, which hit an apartment building.

Hezbollah confirmed Tabtabai’s death and said Israel had crossed a “red line” by striking Beirut for the first time in months.

The group accused Israel of attempting to undermine the ceasefire, which was brokered by the United States and France.

Israel, meanwhile, said the operation was part of a broader effort to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities.

“Under my leadership, the State of Israel will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its power, and we will not allow it to once again pose a threat,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. He also urged the Lebanese government to “fulfill its commitment to disarm Hezbollah.”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt its attacks, accusing it of violating the agreement that ended 13 months of conflict.

Lebanon says Israel continues to occupy at least five locations in the south, while the government has pledged to disarm Hezbollah only after Israel withdraws and stops its operations inside Lebanese territory.

Hezbollah has rejected calls to discuss its weapons before those steps occur.

A Western diplomatic official told the BBC that Lebanon is under increased pressure from the Trump administration, which has grown impatient with what it sees as slow progress in curbing the group’s influence.

The latest round of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah began when the Lebanese group fired rockets at Israeli positions a day after the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023, saying it acted in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

Lebanese authorities say Israeli strikes have killed nearly 4,000 people, including many civilians, and displaced more than 1.2 million residents since then. Israel says more than 80 soldiers and 47 civilians have been killed in attacks by Hezbollah.

Tabtabai had long been wanted by the United States, which designated him a terrorist in 2016 and offered a $5 million reward for information about his activities.

Washington has described him as a key military commander who played a role in Hezbollah operations in Syria and Yemen as part of the group’s wider regional network. — BBC