Haniyeh’s Assassination
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known for his hardline stance, has announced that Israel is ready for any eventuality following the recent targeted assassinations of high-profile figures.
Netanyahu’s remarks came after Israel’s operations led to the deaths of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas political chief and negotiator, in Iran, and Fouad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah leader, in Lebanon.
In a recorded message broadcast by local media, Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to the ongoing military campaign in Gaza, labeling it a fight against what he described as the “Iranian axis of evil.”
He asserted that Israel’s actions have struck significant blows against this axis, which he defines as comprising Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah.
Netanyahu detailed recent military actions, stating that the Israeli military had previously targeted Mohammed Deif, the Hamas Chief of Staff, and the Houthis in a major operation.
He also mentioned the recent assassination of Hezbollah’s chief of staff, Fouad Shukr, who Israel accuses of orchestrating an attack on the Druz town of Majdal Shams in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, resulting in 12 fatalities.
Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the attack and has labeled it a false-flag operation.
The Israeli leader warned of challenging days ahead and stated that Israel is prepared for every possible scenario, standing firm against all threats.
He emphasized his resolve despite international pressure to cease military operations, justifying the continued assault by claiming it is necessary to dismantle terrorist infrastructures and achieve strategic objectives, including hostage negotiations.
Following the assassination of Shukr, Israel confirmed the death of Haniyeh in an air strike on his residence in Tehran, where he had been attending the inauguration of Iran’s new President, Masoud Pezeshkian. The strikes in Tehran and Beirut mark a dramatic escalation in regional tensions.
The conflict in Gaza has led to significant civilian casualties, with reports indicating that Israel’s military operations have resulted in the deaths of 39,445 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and injuries to over 91,000 others.
The ongoing siege has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, causing severe shortages of essential supplies such as water, food, electricity, and medicine, and contributing to a humanitarian crisis.
The actions of Netanyahu and the Israeli government are under scrutiny at the International Court of Justice, where accusations of genocide are being examined.
