Israel admits for the first time that it killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz acknowledged in a statement on December 23 that the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran, in late July of this year was carried out by the Israeli government. Katz also recalled Israel's regional policy and significant military operations in connection with the incident.

According to the minister, Israel has defeated Hamas and Hezbollah, destroyed Iran's defense and production systems, fought against the Assad regime in Syria, and dealt a powerful blow to the "axis of evil." Katz also noted that it is fighting the Houthis, trying to destroy their infrastructure.

Ismail Haniyeh, 62, was in Tehran on July 31 when a bomb exploded at an inauguration ceremony he was attending. His residence was reportedly targeted in an airstrike. After Haniyeh's death, Hamas was led by Yahya Sinwar, who was seen as the mastermind behind the October 2023 attack on Israel.

For your information, Sinwar was killed in a clash in the Gaza Strip in October 2024, and a new leader has not yet been appointed to the Hamas group.