The recent assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh has sparked concerns over a potential escalation in tensions between Iran-backed proxies and Israel. According to a Senior Fellow and Senior Director for Strategic Outreach at the Middle East Institute, this event may have completely altered the existing dynamic in the region.
There are fears that this targeted killing could lead to a coordinated response from various Iranian-sponsored militias across the Middle East, including those from Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and possibly even Tehran itself. The consecutive deaths of leaders from Iran-backed groups have raised the specter of a broader conflict that could engulf the entire region.
The expert warned that the situation could deteriorate further, potentially pushing the region to the brink of an all-out war. Israel's demonstrated ability to carry out such precise operations, as evidenced by the assassination of senior figures of Iranian proxies, has been highlighted as a tactical victory for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In response to inquiries about Haniyeh's killing, Israel's military has refrained from commenting on reports in foreign media. However, senior officials have previously stated their commitment to eliminating Hamas in retaliation for the group's recent attack on October 7.
