What’s happening
The year opened with an alleged Israeli airstrike targeting the Dahieh suburb in Beirut, leading to the assassination of Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy leader of Hamas. He was among seven casualties, including high-ranking Hamas operatives.
Why it matters
Israel’s targeting of senior Hamas officials is a longstanding strategy aimed at disrupting the group’s leadership and deterring attacks against Israeli civilians and military. Al-Arouri’s death escalates tensions and raises questions about the potential ramifications within the region and the future of Israel’s covert operations.
The broader campaign
Since the outset of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli forces have focused on eliminating key Hamas figures, to impede the organization’s military capabilities.
Historical context
Past Israeli operations have aimed at influential members of Hamas, such as Yahya Ayyash in the 1990s, and Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh in 2010, reflecting a continued pattern of targeted killings as a defensive measure.
Potential next targets
Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, remains at large, with Israel pursuing leads on his location. Other notable figures such as Mohammed Sinwar, Khaled Mashal, and Ismail Haniyeh are also subjects of Israeli interest.
Challenges ahead
Israel’s strategy involves navigating delicate political landscapes to execute operations against Hamas figures residing in different countries, all while avoiding heightened conflict with groups like Hezbollah.
Expert opinion
According to analysts, the strike on Arouri could provoke a strong response from Hezbollah, potentially leading to an unrestricted conflict with the group should a war on Lebanon commence.
Contributor’s profile
Lana Ikelan, an alumna of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, provides insights through her work with The Media Line’s Press and Policy Student Program.
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This story was first published on jpost.com.