Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed recent developments in the Middle East in a public video statement on Wednesday. He highlighted Israel's recent actions against Iranian proxies, including targeting Iran-backed Houthis and a strike against Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in southern Beirut, Lebanon.
Notably, Netanyahu did not mention the strike on Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, which has raised speculation and tensions in the region. While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack on Haniyeh, Iran has vowed to avenge his death, citing it as a duty after he was killed on Iranian soil.
Following Haniyeh's assassination, Iran's embassy in the United Kingdom called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The incident has sparked concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict amidst ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin refrained from confirming Israel's involvement in the strike on Haniyeh, stating that the U.S. government is monitoring the situation closely. Austin emphasized the U.S.'s commitment to easing tensions in the region while reaffirming support for Israel's defense in the event of an attack.
