‘Mazal Tov!’ US welcomes Israel’s elimination of Hezbollah chief

Tabataba’i had been the subject of a $5 million U.S. bounty due to his central role in Hezbollah’s regional operations.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The United States signaled clear approval on Sunday after Israel confirmed it had eliminated Haytham Ali Tabataba’i, the senior Hezbollah commander long considered the group’s chief of staff.

A senior American official told Channel 12 that Washington viewed the strike positively, saying the administration was “pleased with the elimination of the number two in Hezbollah.” The official added, “We think it’s a wonderful thing. Yalla, mazal tov, mabruk.”

Tabataba’i had been the subject of a $5 million U.S. bounty due to his central role in Hezbollah’s regional operations.

The State Department has described him as a key military figure who oversaw Hezbollah’s special forces in Syria and Yemen as part of wider efforts to supply personnel, training, and equipment to destabilize neighboring states.

The Rewards for Justice program has stated that it offered up to $5 million for information on “Haytham ‘Ali Tabataba’i, also known as Abu Ali Tabatabai,” citing his leadership in those campaigns and his importance within the organization’s command structure.

Washington formally designated Tabataba’i a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in October 2016 under Executive Order 13224.

That designation froze any assets under U.S. jurisdiction and barred American citizens or entities from conducting transactions with him. U.S. law also makes it a federal crime to knowingly support Hezbollah, which remains listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

In Jerusalem, Israeli leaders framed the strike as another step in weakening Hezbollah’s ability to rebuild after months of fighting.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking after the announcement, said the operation reflected ongoing efforts by the Israel Defense Forces to prevent the group from rearming. He thanked the security establishment for what he called a precise and successful action.

Netanyahu also used the moment to acknowledge recent steps taken in Washington toward confronting regional extremist movements. He praised the U.S. decision to classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, saying such recognition aligned with Israel’s own assessment of the group.

“On this occasion, I also want to commend President Trump on his decision to outlaw and designate the ‘Muslim Brotherhood’ organization as a terrorist organization,” he said, calling it a body that threatens stability across the Middle East. He added that Israel already bans parts of the movement and intends to expand those restrictions.