Jewish defence chief admits Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has confirmed for the first time that Israel was behind the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran during the summer.

The confirmation came during a commemoration event for local security officers, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

Katz used the occasion to issue a stark warning to the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, following their continued attacks on Israel.

“In these days, when the Houthi terror organization is firing missiles at Israel, I want to convey a clear message to them: We have defeated Hamas, we have defeated Hezbollah, we have blinded the defense systems in Iran, and damaged the [missile] production systems. We have overthrown the Assad regime in Syria, we have dealt heavy blows to the ‘axis of evil,’ and we will also severely strike the Houthi terror organization in Yemen, which remains the last one standing,” Katz stated.

He further elaborated on Israel's intentions toward the Houthis, emphasizing the nation’s readiness to launch decisive strikes: “We will strike [the Houthis’] strategic infrastructure and decapitate its leaders. Just as we did to Haniyeh, Sinwar, and Nasrallah, in Tehran, Gaza, and Lebanon — we will do in Hodeidah and Sanaa.”

The defence minister concluded with a stark warning to Israel’s adversaries: “Whoever raises a hand against Israel will have their hand cut off, and the long arm of the IDF will strike them and settle the score.”

To recall, Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, was assassinated in Tehran on July 31, 2024. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that a short-range projectile carrying approximately 7 kilograms of explosive material struck the guesthouse where Haniyeh was staying, resulting in his death and that of his bodyguard.

The assassination has significantly heightened tensions in the Middle East. Iran condemned the attack, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowing retaliation.

Hamas officials described the killing as a "grave escalation" and pledged to continue their struggle.

By Khagan Isayev