A recent operation targeting a high-profile Hezbollah figure in Beirut’s southern suburbs points to a significant intelligence breach within the organization’s inner circle. According to military and strategic expert, Colonel Hatem Karim al-Fallahi, the precision and nature of the operation suggest an unprecedented level of access to sensitive information supposedly kept under tight security within Hezbollah’s structure.
An explosion rocked the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday, reportedly the result of an Israeli strike. Tel Aviv claimed the operation, targeting Haitham Ali Tabatabai, was carried out with “high accuracy”. Lebanese Ministry of Health reports indicate five fatalities and 28 injuries. Israel has described the attack as a direct targeting of Tabatabai, bringing the ongoing intelligence battle between the two sides back into focus.
Al-Fallahi explained that the continued Israeli strikes, even after the ceasefire in southern Lebanon and Gaza, indicate the agreement does not include Hezbollah or Palestinian factions. This effectively makes assassinations and bombings part of a continuous conflict that has been ongoing since the beginning of the war.
The type of weaponry used suggests Israel’s desire to carry out a limited-impact assassination within a densely populated area. Al-Fallahi speculated that the operation likely employed GBU-39 bombs, which are known for their precision targeting capabilities within residential buildings, minimizing collateral damage. Some reports indicate the use of six bombs, while others suggest two Hellfire missiles were used.
Al-Fallahi emphasized that the timeline between receiving critical intelligence and executing the assassination – reportedly within an hour – strongly indicates the presence of human intelligence within Hezbollah’s tightest circles. This aligns with reports that the strike targeted a specific building and floor in the Haret Hreik area, amidst heavy Israeli air activity following the explosion.
The ability to reach a figure responsible for field planning and distribution highlights a critical vulnerability within the organization, suggesting a deep and concerning compromise of Hezbollah’s security apparatus. This incident raises serious questions about the group’s internal security protocols and the extent of the intelligence penetration. Further investigation is warranted to determine the full scope of the breach and its potential impact on future operations.
