ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Israel carried out a strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday that killed Abu Ali al-Tabtabai, the acting chief of staff of Hezbollah, the Israeli military announced Sunday.

The strike, which Lebanon's health ministry said killed five and wounded 28 more, destroyed a residential building in Haret Hreik in the Lebanese capital's Hezbollah stronghold.

"Israel has eliminated today in Beirut the Chief of Staff of Hezbollah, who had worked to rebuild and expand Hezbollah’s military and terrorist capabilities," the Israeli foreign ministry announced. "The State of Israel has made clear, after it was attacked from Lebanon after October 7th, that it will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its military capabilities and once again threaten the security of Israel and its citizens."

Hezbollah later on Sunday confirmed Tabtabai's killing, saying in a statement that he lived "a life filled with jihad, sincerity, devotion, and steadfastness on the path of resistance and tireless work in confronting the Israeli enemy."

The Israeli military announced that "Tabatabai played a key role in expanding Hezbollah’s operational and military capacities, developing the Radwan Unit, and serving as a significant source of knowledge and influence within the organization."

Mahmoud Qomati, deputy head of Hezbollah’s Political Council, told reporters in Haret Hreik that the strike “opens the door to an escalation of aggression against all of Lebanon,” noting that Hezbollah remains in full coordination with the Lebanese state and army. Direct or indirect negotiations with Israel, he added, are “a waste of time.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the operation following recommendations from the defense minister and the military chief, according to his office.

While Israeli Army Radio reported that Washington was notified in advance, Axios, citing a US official, reported that the US learned of the strike only afterward.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun called the attack further evidence that Israel ignores repeated appeals to halt its actions.

Updated at 22:21 with Hezbollah confirmation