Part of Routine Enforcement
After Shocking Elimination, Israel Clarifies: No Broader Escalation Planned in Lebanon
The IDF confirms the strike on Hezbollah’s Chief of Staff Ali Tabatabai was a targeted enforcement action, not a trigger for full-scale war. Tabatabai, key in rebuilding Hezbollah’s terror capabilities, was eliminated under direct IDF oversight, as Israel monitors for potential retaliation.
Following the elimination of Hezbollah’s Chief of Staff, Ali Tabatabai, the IDF emphasized that Israel has no intention of a full-scale escalation. The strike is described as part of “routine enforcement” aimed at reducing Hezbollah’s capabilities, which the organization has been rebuilding across all its forces in preparation for potential conflict with Israel.
Tabatabai personally led Hezbollah’s efforts to restore its terror infrastructure, making him a high-value enforcement target. When a sudden intelligence opportunity presented itself, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir directly oversaw the operation, which successfully neutralized the target.
As for the aftermath, the IDF does not currently see any immediate intent or capability for Hezbollah to retaliate. Civilian guidelines remain standard, while analysts await Hezbollah’s decision on whether, how, and when to respond.
Lebanese commentator Hassan al-Dir explained that Hezbollah now faces two options:
1- A response to the attack in Dahiyeh that will lead to a wave of destructive strikes like in Gaza.
2- No response - something that will invite further assassinations in Dahiyeh.
That being said, the IDF isn't taking any chances: Military bases in the North are ready for any escalation, with reports that more troops are being sent to Lebanon immediately, in case Hezbollah decided to retaliate.
The IDF has been carrying out airstrikes and targeted eliminations in Lebanon for months, trying to countering Hezbollah's resurgence after the deadly beeper attacks.
There were also rumors that Israel was planning a ground assault in Lebanon to counter these threats if the targeted eliminations and airstrikes couldn't get the job done. The assessment was that this would be a 'skirmish' which would take place over a few days and not a full-blown war.