November 23, 2025
The IDF Has Eliminated the Chief of General Staff of the Hezbollah Terrorist Organization, Haytham Ali Tabatabai
The IDF announces that today, November 23, 2025, the IDF, guided by the Intelligence Directorate, struck in the area of Beirut and eliminated the terrorist Haytham Ali Tabatabai, Hezbollah’s Chief of General Staff.
Tabatabai was a key operative and veteran in the terrorist organization. He joined its ranks in the 1980’s and has since held a series of senior positions, including commanding the 'Radwan Force' Unit and serving as the head of Hezbollah’s operations in Syria. During his role in Syria, he further entrenched Hezbollah’s capabilities in Syria.
During the war, he was appointed commander of the organization’s operations array and was responsible for consolidating the operational picture and force build-up. During Operation “Northern Arrows,” after most of the military leadership was neutralized, he was effectively responsible for managing the combat against Israel.
At the end of Operation “Northern Arrows”, Tabatabai was appointed Hezbollah’s Chief of General Staff, and in this role he led efforts to rebuild the organization. He commanded most of Hezbollah’s units and worked extensively to restore their readiness for war with Israel.
Throughout his years in Hezbollah, Tabatabai developed and expanded Hezbollah’s capabilities. He also played a significant role in developing the Radwan Unit. Tabatabai was part of Hezbollah’s senior leadership and, due to his connections and abilities, served as a significant source of knowledge and influence within Hezbollah.
The IDF will act against efforts to rebuild and rearm the Hezbollah terrorist organization and will operate to remove any threat posed to Israeli civilians.
The IDF remains committed to the understandings reached between the State of Israel and Lebanon.
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