Following the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported on Wednesday that Israel has delivered significant blows to its adversaries in recent days. Despite this, Netanyahu did not confirm or deny Israel’s involvement in Haniyeh’s assassination.
In his address, Netanyahu mentioned recent military actions, stating, “Three weeks ago, we attacked the military chief of Hamas, Mohammad Deif. Two weeks ago, we struck the Houthis in one of the farthest air attacks conducted. Yesterday, we targeted the military chief of Hezbollah, Fuad Shukr.”
Netanyahu acknowledged the challenging situation, saying, “We are prepared for any scenario and will settle the score with anyone who harms us, massacres our children, murders our citizens, or hurts our nation.” He emphasized Israel’s determination to continue fighting until their war goals are met.
The White House has yet to confirm or verify reports that Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli strike in Tehran. John Kirby from the National Security Council expressed concerns about the escalating situation, stating, “We’re obviously concerned about escalation. All of this adds to the complicated nature of what we’re trying to get done.”
Hezbollah confirmed Shukr’s death and hailed him as a martyr. The group’s statement read, “We celebrate the great jihadist leader, dear beloved brother Fu’ad Shukr (Moshin), as a great martyr on the path to Jerusalem.”
In response to Haniyeh’s death, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas declared a national day of mourning, condemning the assassination as a “cowardly act and dangerous development.” Palestinian flags were lowered to half-staff, and a general strike was called in the West Bank, marking a rare moment of unity among Palestinian factions amidst ongoing conflict and uncertainty about Gaza’s future leadership.