Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made it official on Sunday night: the IDF has killed Ali Tabatabai, Hezbollah�s chief of staff and one of the most senior terrorist figures remaining in the organization after the elimination of Hassan Nasrallah. Calling him a �mass murderer� with �blood of Israelis and Americans on his hands,� Netanyahu said the strike proves Israel will not allow Hezbollah to recover from its recent military losses.

�Tabatabai served as a senior commander in the Radwan Force,� Netanyahu said, referring to the elite Hezbollah unit trained to invade northern Israel. �This is the force that prepared to conquer the Galilee and slaughter many of our citizens.� Tabatabai was also reportedly spearheading efforts to rebuild Hezbollah�s weapons capabilities.

The U.S. State Department previously placed a $5 million bounty on Tabatabai, citing his role in attacks targeting both Americans and Israelis.

Netanyahu praised Israeli forces for what he described as a �professional, accurate, and successful operation.� He vowed that under his leadership, Hezbollah will never be allowed to rebuild its military strength, declaring: �We will not allow it to pose a threat to the State of Israel again.�

Netanyahu also issued a warning to the Lebanese government, insisting it must honor its obligation to disarm Hezbollah if it wants peace and economic recovery.

�I expect the Government of Lebanon to fulfill its commitment to disarm Hezbollah,� he said. �Only in this way can a better future be made possible for every citizen in Lebanon.�

The statement comes after months of diplomatic and military pressure on Beirut, including quiet signals from Israel that reconstruction aid may be conditioned on restraining the Iran-backed militia.

Netanyahu used the moment to applaud U.S. President Donald Trump�s decision to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. The controversial move could trigger sanctions and criminal prosecutions against groups linked to the Islamist movement.

�This is an organization that endangers stability throughout the Middle East and also beyond,� Netanyahu said, noting Israel already bans part of the movement and is �working to complete this action soon.�

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