Hezbollah leader issues warning to Israel at funeral of slain military chief

Hezbollah’s leadership has issued a warning to Israel during the funeral of its slain military chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Monday.

At the procession held in a southern suburb of Beirut, Hezbollah executive council head Sheikh Ali Daamoush said Israel should brace for the group’s response to what he described as a “grave crime” committed against the resistance and the Lebanese state.

“The Zionists should be worried,” Daamoush told mourners, flanked by fighters carrying Hezbollah flags and chanting slogans. “They have committed a serious crime, and they will bear the consequences.”

Tabatabai, along with two other Hezbollah members, was killed in an Israeli strike amid escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed group, particularly along the northern Israeli border.

Addressing ongoing diplomatic efforts to defuse the situation, Daamoush dismissed the idea of negotiations unless Israel fully abides by the ceasefire agreement reached between the two sides in November last year.

“We won’t concern ourselves with any proposals as long as the enemy does not commit to the ceasefire,” he said.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of violating the accord, insisting that its strikes are aimed at preventing the group from rebuilding military capabilities close to the border.

Daamoush also took aim at the United States and other international actors that have reportedly pressured the Lebanese government to enforce provisions of the ceasefire deal requiring Hezbollah to disarm and withdraw forces.

“It is the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens and its sovereignty,” he said. “The government must prepare its own plans and reject foreign diktats and pressure.”

The funeral, attended by hundreds of fighters and supporters, shows the volatility of the moment, with concerns rising that Tabatabai’s killing could trigger further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah.