Israel’s recent actions prove that no location is beyond their reach and that they are unafraid of Iran’s hostility, according to Michael Doran, an analyst at the Hudson Institute.
The killings of top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders have intensified pressure on these terrorist groups and Iran, raising the likelihood of war and altering the dynamics of the conflicts, analysts say.
Israel’s actions in targeting its enemies’ leaders in distant capitals have shifted the terms of the conflict and demonstrated its strength by achieving success. The killing of Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah’s military head, in Beirut on July 30, marked a significant escalation by Israel, previously avoiding attacks in that area declared off-limits by the US.
According to Irina Tsukerman, a New York lawyer specializing in national security, Israel’s calculated escalation aims to severely weaken its adversaries to a point of irrecoverable damage.
The death of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas, while under Iranian protection in Tehran, signifies Israel’s ability to penetrate Iran’s security and its commitment to eliminating its enemies. This move, following the killing of Hamas’s military head Mohammed Deif and Islamic Jihad’s Mohammed al-Jabari, demonstrates Israel’s determination to cripple these groups permanently.
Analysts believe that Israel’s actions are part of a broader strategy to rebuild its deterrence in the region post-October 7 and eliminate threats posed by these terrorist organizations. The assassination of Haniyeh and other key figures sends a clear message of Israel’s willingness to confront its enemies head-on, even at the risk of all-out war with Iran.
Overall, Israel’s recent offensive approach reflects a shift towards a more aggressive stance against Iran’s proxies, signaling a new phase in the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
There were 7 masterminds whose plan was to execute a horrific attack which dragged Gaza into a war.
Events since then, including their continuing to travel freely and plot Israel’s encirclement by Iran-aligned enemies, should have indicated they had no intention of returning the hostages or ending Hamas’s state of war with Israel, a spokesperson said.
“The demise of Haniyeh signifies the end to impunity and tacit acceptance and legitimation of the Hamas leadership, and sends a warning signal that no one is safe from justice, that Iran cannot protect its vassals even inside its borders, and that the same fate awaits anyone, no matter how high up, rich, or ‘normalized’ who continues presenting a threat to Israel,” she added.
“It also signifies the end of strategic ambiguity and distinction between the Hamas operatives in Gaza and its political leadership in Doha.”
Hamas’s leadership has been decimated since its Oct. 7 massacre of 1,200 people in Israel triggered its attack on the Gaza Strip.
The spokesperson noted that Khaled Meshaal would probably become Hamas’s leader and that she expected him to be targeted by Israel as well.
“Israel’s aim from now on should be to turn the tables in Hamas insurgency strategy by disrupting their operations as early as possible and making sure that no leader can stick around long enough to gain relevant experience, earn respect, or accumulate power,” she suggested.
“Being a Hamas leader should become the most dangerous and the least desirable job in the world.”
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
