Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on 24/11 that "the right of the Axis of Resistance and the Hezbollah group in Lebanon to avenge the blood of their brave fallen members is undeniable". The statement referred to the killing of Haytham Ali Tabatabai, Hezbollah's chief of staff, by Israel.

The IRGC is the primary military and financial backer of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

On 23/11, the Israeli military launched an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon's capital, targeting Tabatabai. Hezbollah confirmed the attack killed "the great commander Ali Tabatabai", but did not specify his title.

Tabatabai was the most senior Hezbollah commander killed by Israel since a ceasefire took effect in 11/2024, ending over one year of fighting.

A source close to Hezbollah indicated that there are currently two factions within the group. Some members advocate for retaliation following the assassination, while others prefer to exercise restraint. However, the group's leaders are inclined towards maximizing diplomatic efforts at this stage.

The funeral of Haytham Ali Tabatabai in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon on 24/11. *Photo: AFP*.

Following Tabatabai's killing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared he would "not allow Hezbollah to re-establish power". He also urged the Lebanese government to "fulfill its commitment to disarm Hezbollah".

Hundreds of Hezbollah supporters on 24/11 attended the funeral of Tabatabai and two other members in the southern suburbs of Beirut, an area controlled by the armed group. In front of coffins draped in yellow flags, the crowd chanted slogans against the US and Israel.

Ali Damush, a senior Hezbollah member, stated at the funeral that Israel assassinated Tabatabai to force Hezbollah to "surrender and submit, but they will never achieve this goal". Damush added, "Israel is worried about the response Hezbollah might take, and they should remain so".

By Huyen Le (According to AFP)