Hamas Deputy Leader Killed in Alleged Israeli Drone Strike in Beirut
The IDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, refused to comment on the assassination, but emphasized twice that "The IDF is ready on all fronts for any scenario"
Dan Arkin
| 03/01/2024
Heightened alertness in Israel, especially in the north, in anticipation of a possible response from Hezbollah and Hamas in the north and/or Hamas in the south following the assassination yesterday in Beirut of Saleh al-Arouri, officially number 2 in Hamas and a released prisoner in the Shalit deal.
The State of Israel has not officially acknowledged the assassination, except for hints from ministers and Knesset members. The Prime Minister has prohibited Likud ministers from giving interviews on the subject, and yesterday evening the two cabinets convened, the Security Cabinet and the broader one, undoubtedly discussing the developments and potential responses to the assassination of al-Arouri.
IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, refused last night to comment on the assassination but emphasized twice during his press briefing that "The IDF is in high readiness in all sectors for any scenario. We are focused on combating Hamas." Following the assassination, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his planned visit to Israel this week.
Senior Hamas figure Saleh al-Arouri was assassinated yesterday in an apartment in a residential building in the Daheiya neighborhood in southern Beirut, a Hizballah stronghold. The missile struck a specific apartment on the third floor of the building, leading to the conclusion that the missile was launched with precise intelligence and in real time toward the targeted residence.
In the attack, several others who were in the apartment with al-Arouri were also killed, some of whom were high-ranking members of terrorist organizations. Al-Arouri was on the U.S. terror watchlist, with a significant reward for information leading to his capture. He is considered in the United States as "Most Wanted."
Hamas announced last night that due to the assassination in Beirut, it is suspending further discussions on a prisoner exchange deal. Earlier, it was reported from Arab sources that Sinwar is interested in achieving a prolonged ceasefire, lasting more than three weeks, a proposal that Israel rejected.
In Gaza, IDF combatants took control of a terrorist infrastructure in the home of a former Hamas commander. They neutralized dozens of terrorists in the operation. A joint operation involving naval, air, and ground forces targeted terrorists and explosives along the Gaza Strip coast.
In the central part of the Strip, the Israeli troops discovered a facility for manufacturing improvised explosive devices. In Jabalia, another unit eliminated dozens of terrorists, including some who attempted to place explosive devices and others who operated drones.
The IDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, refused to comment on the assassination, but emphasized twice that "The IDF is ready on all fronts for any scenario"
Heightened alertness in Israel, especially in the north, in anticipation of a possible response from Hezbollah and Hamas in the north and/or Hamas in the south following the assassination yesterday in Beirut of Saleh al-Arouri, officially number 2 in Hamas and a released prisoner in the Shalit deal.
The State of Israel has not officially acknowledged the assassination, except for hints from ministers and Knesset members. The Prime Minister has prohibited Likud ministers from giving interviews on the subject, and yesterday evening the two cabinets convened, the Security Cabinet and the broader one, undoubtedly discussing the developments and potential responses to the assassination of al-Arouri.
IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, refused last night to comment on the assassination but emphasized twice during his press briefing that "The IDF is in high readiness in all sectors for any scenario. We are focused on combating Hamas." Following the assassination, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his planned visit to Israel this week.
Senior Hamas figure Saleh al-Arouri was assassinated yesterday in an apartment in a residential building in the Daheiya neighborhood in southern Beirut, a Hizballah stronghold. The missile struck a specific apartment on the third floor of the building, leading to the conclusion that the missile was launched with precise intelligence and in real time toward the targeted residence.
In the attack, several others who were in the apartment with al-Arouri were also killed, some of whom were high-ranking members of terrorist organizations. Al-Arouri was on the U.S. terror watchlist, with a significant reward for information leading to his capture. He is considered in the United States as "Most Wanted."
Hamas announced last night that due to the assassination in Beirut, it is suspending further discussions on a prisoner exchange deal. Earlier, it was reported from Arab sources that Sinwar is interested in achieving a prolonged ceasefire, lasting more than three weeks, a proposal that Israel rejected.
In Gaza, IDF combatants took control of a terrorist infrastructure in the home of a former Hamas commander. They neutralized dozens of terrorists in the operation. A joint operation involving naval, air, and ground forces targeted terrorists and explosives along the Gaza Strip coast.
In the central part of the Strip, the Israeli troops discovered a facility for manufacturing improvised explosive devices. In Jabalia, another unit eliminated dozens of terrorists, including some who attempted to place explosive devices and others who operated drones.
