Israel Confirms it Killed Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, Threatens Similar Action Against Houthi Rebels

Jerusalem: The ongoing war between Israel and Palestine has further intensified tensions in the Middle East, with several other nations joining hands with the countries involved - Yemen included. As complications between Israel and Yemen continue to rise, the former's Defence Minister has not just confirmed the assassination of Hamas' Ismail Haniyeh but also threatened similar action against Houthi rebel group of Yemen.

Israel Confirms Assassination of Hamas Top Leader Ismail Haniyeh

Israel's defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas' top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement.

The 62-year-old Haniyeh was killed in an airstrike in July this year during a visit to one of Hamas’ most crucial allies, Iran, after attending the inauguration of its new president. Iran and Hamas both accused Israel, which has not commented on the strike. Ismail Haniyeh was the international face of Hamas, its top leader in exile who kept up the militant group’s ties with allies around the region. At the head of its political hierarchy, he had little military role – but Israel marked him for death after the surprise Oct. 7 attacks.

We Will Cut Off the Head of the Leadership…: Israel Threatens Houthis of Yemen

In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria's Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran's anti-aircraft systems.

“We will strike (the Houthis') strategic infrastructure and cut off the head of the leadership,” he said. “Just like we did to Haniyeh, Sinwar and Nasrallah in Tehran, Gaza and Lebanon, we will do in Hodeida and Sanaa,” he said, referring to Hamas and Hezbollah leaders killed in previous Israeli attacks.

War Between Houthis and Israel Rages On

The Iranian-backed Houthis have launched scores of missiles and drones at Israel throughout the war, including a missile that landed in Tel Aviv on Saturday and wounded at least 16 people. Israel has carried out three sets of airstrikes in Yemen during the war and vowed to step up the pressure on the rebel group until the missile attacks stop.

(Inputs from AP)