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Israeli forces allegedly targeted the chief of staff of Lebanon's Iran-backed group Hezbollah in a airstrike on the capital's southern district, as stated by the Israeli prime minister's office on the weekend.

This represented the initial strike in months on the southern district of the capital city, an zone renowned for hosting officials from the group.

Target Identified as Military Leader

The target of the operation was the military official Ali Tabtabai, per an Israeli source informed about the strike and a Lebanese security source. The prime minister's office did not state whether the official was eliminated.

US Notification Particulars

A senior US official indicated that Israeli authorities failed to inform the US administration prior about the airstrike, according to a social media post.

The authority added that the US government was informed following the incident, and a another American official stated that the US had had information for days that Israeli forces was planning to escalate attacks in Lebanon.

Background on the Target

The United States imposed sanctions on Tabtabai in 2016, labeling him as a key Hezbollah military leader and announcing a incentive of up to $5m for details on him.

Attack Details and Aftermath

The strike struck a main road in Beirut's southern suburbs, where residents mentioned hearing the roar of aircraft before the detonation.

People rushed out of their homes out of apprehension of more bombings, per a correspondent in the zone.

At least two individuals were fatally wounded and approximately 24 were hurt and transported to hospitals in the area, per medical sources.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.

Recent Israel's Operations

Attacks by Israel on the Lebanese faction over the recent period have eliminated its ex-head Hassan Nasrallah, a significant part of the high-ranking commanders and about thousands of militants.

Statements from Israeli Leadership

The prime minister informed his government ministers on the morning of the incident before the strike that the country would carry on to combat “terrorism” on several fronts.

“Our efforts will persist to do whatever is necessary to hinder the group from rebuilding its ability to threaten us,” he declared.

Broader Context

Israeli forces has stepped up air attacks in southern Lebanon, continuing a operation of regular assaults that it states is aimed to hinder a military revival by Hezbollah in the boundary zone.

Israeli authorities has accused Hezbollah of seeking to rearm since a American-endorsed peace agreement last year.

The faction claims it has abided by stipulations for it to end its military presence in the frontier area near the Israeli border, and for the military forces to station there.