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Israeli forces allegedly attacked the top military official of the Lebanese Iran-backed group Hezbollah in a strike on Beirut's southern district, according to the office of the Israeli PM on the weekend.

This was the initial attack in months on the southern suburbs of the capital city, an zone recognized for sheltering officials from the group.

Objective Identified as Military Leader

The target of the strike was the commanding officer the Hezbollah chief of staff, according to an source from Israel informed about the incident and a security official in Lebanon. The PM's office did not confirm whether Tabtabai was eliminated.

American Alert Particulars

A high-ranking American official stated that Israel did not alert Washington beforehand about the operation, according to a social media post.

The authority clarified that the administration was notified right after the strike, and a second senior US official said that the US had known for several days that Israel was planning to increase attacks in Lebanon.

Background on the Target

The US enforced restrictions on Tabtabai in 2016, identifying him as a prominent Hezbollah military leader and offering a incentive of up to $5m for intel on him.

Attack Details and Aftermath

The blast struck a central avenue in the capital's southern area, where residents reported noticing the sound of warplanes before the explosion.

Civilians fled out of their apartment buildings out of fear of additional attacks, as stated by a journalist in the zone.

No fewer than two people were fatally wounded and two dozen were wounded and rushed to clinics in the vicinity, as reported by health officials.

There was no prompt response from the group.

Recent Israel's Campaign

Israeli strikes on the Lebanese faction over the recent period have killed its ex-head Hassan Nasrallah, much of the group's top military brass and about thousands of militants.

Statements from Israeli Leadership

The Israeli leader told his cabinet on Sunday morning before the attack that Israel would persist to fight “militant activities” on several fronts.

“Our efforts will persist to do all that is required to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its ability to threaten us,” he declared.

Broader Context

Israeli forces has escalated bombing raids in south Lebanon, advancing a operation of frequent strikes that it claims is designed to prevent a resurgence of forces by Hezbollah in the border area.

Israel has alleged Hezbollah of attempting to rearm since a truce supported by the US last year.

The faction claims it has followed requirements for it to terminate its armed deployment in the boundary zone near the Israeli border, and for the Lebanese army to station there.