'Haytham Ali Tabtabai had been wanted by both the US and Israel for years' • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts:

• Hezbollah
• Chief of Staff
• Radwan Elite Force
• Hezbollah's operations in Syria
• Hezbollah's operations systems
• Assassination
• Ceasefire

Summary:

This transcript details the significance of a high-ranking Hezbollah official who was recently assassinated. Despite his prominent position, the Lebanese public had limited information about him, beyond the fact that he was wanted by both the US and Israel for years.

Official Rank and Responsibilities:

• Chief of Staff: He officially held the position of Chief of Staff of Hezbollah, a duty he assumed within the past year. This promotion occurred as other more senior commanders within the organization were eliminated.
• Early Involvement: He joined Hezbollah's ranks in the 1980s.
• Previous Top Positions: Prior to his current role, he held several significant leadership positions, including:
  • Commander and leader of the Radwan elite force.
  • Leader of Hezbollah's operations in Syria, a role he held before the collapse of the Assad regime.

Israeli Announcement and Operational Scope:

According to Israeli announcements, he assumed the position of commander of Hezbollah's operations systems. In this capacity, he was responsible for:

• Most of the attacks orchestrated by Hezbollah.
• Reshaping Hezbollah following severe blows it sustained over the past two years.

Significance of the Assassination:

The assassination of this individual is considered highly significant. He is described as one of the highest, if not the highest, figure in Hezbollah to have been eliminated since the ceasefire began approximately one year ago.

Conclusion:

The assassination of this individual represents a major blow to Hezbollah, given his crucial role in its operational command and strategic reshaping, particularly in the aftermath of significant losses. His long-standing wanted status by the US and Israel underscores his importance in their counter-terrorism efforts.