On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a public video statement discussing recent major setbacks faced by Iranian proxies.
In his remarks, Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s recent operations against Iran-supported Houthis and the elimination of a prominent Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, who was killed on Tuesday in southern Beirut, Lebanon.
The premier did not address the lethal strike against Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, for which Israel has not claimed responsibility.
Although no one immediately took credit for the attack on Haniyeh in Tehran, Israel was swiftly accused following its vow to target Haniyeh and other leaders of Hamas after the group’s attack on the Jewish State on October 7.
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Netanyahu noted that significant strikes were made against Iranian proxies, yet did not comment on the fatal strike against Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which Israel has not admitted to. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei asserted, “It is Iran’s duty to avenge Haniyeh’s blood because he was martyred on our soil.”
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a strike in Tehran on Wednesday. (Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency/Reuters, File)
Following Haniyeh’s assassination, Iran’s embassy in the United Kingdom called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting.
The killing of Haniyeh has heightened concerns over the potential for a broader regional conflict amidst ongoing attempts to alleviate rising tensions in the Middle East.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei pledged to avenge Haniyeh. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP, File)
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U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was unable to confirm whether Israel was responsible for the strike or if U.S. military intelligence had provided any forewarning.
“I can’t provide anything on that. We’ve certainly seen the reports, but I lack additional details,” Austin stated to reporters in Subic Bay, Philippines. He noted that while the U.S. aims to reduce tensions, they would support Israel if it faced an attack.
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In his address, Netanyahu affirmed that Israel will maintain readiness for all possible scenarios, although the prospect of negotiating a cease-fire remains viable despite the recent developments.
Fox News’ Yonat Friling and Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
