The White House reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense after the IDF eliminated Hezbollah chief of staff Haytham Ali Tabatabai, one of the most senior terror commanders in the group.
Asked whether President Trump supported the strike, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she had not yet spoken to him about this particular operation, but emphasized, “Of course, the president supports Israel’s right to defend itself and take out terrorist threats.”
Tabatabai was responsible for planning cross-border attacks, overseeing Hezbollah’s Radwan forces, and coordinating operations with Iranian proxy groups. His elimination is considered one of the most significant blows to Hezbollah since the start of the northern conflict.
For Israel, the White House’s message is important: despite policy disagreements, the U.S. publicly recognizes that Israel’s precision strikes on terror leaders are necessary for regional stability and the safety of Israeli civilians.
