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The Israeli military reportedly attacked the top military official of the Lebanese Iran-aligned faction the Hezbollah organization in a strike on Beirut's southern suburbs, according to the office of the Israeli PM on Sunday.

This was the initial airstrike in several months on the southern district of the capital city, an area known for sheltering officials from the group.

Objective Identified as Ali Tabtabai

The objective of the operation was the military official the Hezbollah chief of staff, as reported by an Israeli source briefed on the incident and a Lebanese security source. The PM's office did not state whether Tabtabai was killed.

American Notification Details

A senior US official stated that Israeli authorities failed to inform the US administration beforehand about the operation, as mentioned in a social media post.

The official clarified that the US government was informed immediately after the incident, and a second senior US official mentioned that the United States had been aware for days that Israel was preparing to increase attacks in the country.

Background on the Target

The US enforced sanctions on Tabtabai in 2016, classifying him as a prominent Hezbollah military leader and providing a reward of up to five million dollars for intel on him.

Attack Particulars and Aftermath

The airstrike impacted a primary street in the capital's southern area, where residents reported detecting the sound of warplanes before the detonation.

People fled out of their homes out of apprehension of more bombings, as stated by a journalist in the zone.

At least two individuals were fatally wounded and two dozen were hurt and transported to medical facilities in the region, per medical sources.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.

Ongoing Israeli Operations

Israeli strikes on Hezbollah over the recent period have taken the lives of its former leader the group's past leader, a large portion of the high-ranking commanders and about five thousand combatants.

Statements from Prime Minister

The Israeli leader informed his cabinet on Sunday morning before the attack that the country would carry on to confront “militant activities” on multiple fronts.

“We will continue to do whatever is necessary to prevent the group from re-establishing its ability to pose a danger to us,” he said.

Broader Situation

Israeli forces has escalated airstrikes in southern Lebanon, continuing a campaign of regular assaults that it claims is intended to prevent a resurgence of forces by Hezbollah in the boundary zone.

Israel has accused the group of trying to acquire arms since a American-endorsed peace agreement the previous year.

The faction says it has followed requirements for it to terminate its military presence in the boundary zone near Israel, and for the Lebanese army to station there.