Hezbollah's military chief, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, ending his pivotal role in the group's rebuilding efforts after a devastating war. Tabatabai, considered the organization's second-in-command, led the recruitment of thousands of new fighters and implemented a strategy to ensure Hezbollah's survival despite heavy losses. His efforts focused on reinforcing forces in southern Lebanon, where the group is supposed to disarm under a ceasefire agreement, and on training successors for each unit commander to maintain operational continuity. Following his death, Hezbollah continues to replenish its arsenal and recruit operatives, while internal debates persist over whether to retaliate or pursue a diplomatic response.