The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran early Wednesday is a major escalation that brings the region closer to an all-out war that Israel claims it does not want, but seems to be doing everything in its power to provoke.
It came hours after Israel bombed Lebanon on Tuesday evening, killing three civilians. Israel claimed that it targeted Fuad Shukr, Hizballah’s most senior military official and its leader Hasan Nasrallah’s close confidant. Hizballah confirmed Shukr’s martyrdom later in the day on Wednesday and said that Nasrallah “will announce our political position tomorrow regarding this crime during the funeral of Commander Shukr.”
In keeping with its standard practice, Israel has not made any official comment on the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard Wasim Abu Shaaban in the Iranian capital, where the Hamas leader was present for the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday.
During a brief speech on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the public that “challenging days are ahead” and said that “[we] will stand united and determined against every threat.” ….more
