After nearly five months of silence, Israel has officially claimed responsibility for a covert operation in Iran that resulted in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
This admission made public on Monday through a statement by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, further escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
- Advertisement -
Haniyeh, the political head of Hamas, killed in a covert operation in Tehran on July 31. For months, Iran and Hamas accused Israel of orchestrating attack, but Israel refrained from acknowledging its involvement until now. Gallant confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were behind the operation.
The assassination was carried out with a bomb planted weeks earlier in room where Haniyeh staying at a state guesthouse in Tehran.
The bomb exploded, killing him shortly after he had attended the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.
- Advertisement -
Iran expressed outrage over the incident, calling it a blatant violation of its sovereignty. Iranian allies, including the Houthis in Yemen, also condemned the act and vowed retaliation. The Houthis have since launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Israel, with one missile striking Tel Aviv last Saturday.
Gallant warned that Israel would respond decisively to ongoing Houthi aggression. He referred to Houthis as Iranian proxies and threatened to target their leadership, much like Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, as well as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
He added, “Israel has defeated Hamas, triumphed over Hezbollah, and dismantled Iran’s defense systems. If the Houthis persist with their terrorist activities, Yemen will face a similar fate. We will strike Hudaydah and Sanaa if necessary.”
Read more: Dubai Hosts Al Barari Winter Fest for Christmas Celebrations
- Advertisement -
Assassination of Haniyeh and subsequent escalations mark another chapter in the longstanding hostility between Israel and Iran, with broader implications for the region. The situation remains volatile, with heightened security risks for Israeli citizens and intensified conflict in Gaza.
