Jerusalem: Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed on Monday that Israel was responsible for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July. This marks the first time Israel has publicly acknowledged its role in the assassination of the prominent Hamas figure.
Katz’s admission could escalate tensions in the already volatile Middle East. In a statement, Katz emphasized Israel’s ongoing efforts to counter groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebel faction in Yemen. “We have defeated Hamas, we have defeated Hezbollah, we have blinded the defense systems in Iran, and damaged missile production systems,” Katz said, as reported by The Times of Israel.
He went on to declare Israel’s commitment to continuing its offensive actions, stating that the country had dealt heavy blows to what he called the “axis of evil” and would take further actions against the Houthis in Yemen. Katz also referred to the targeted killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, including Haniyeh, Hamas’s international face, and other senior figures like Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah.
Sending a stark warning, Katz vowed, “Whoever raises a hand against Israel will have their hand cut off,” asserting that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would strike decisively at those posing threats to Israel’s security.
The confession comes amid rising tensions in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
