Statements from major international bodies like the UN, EU, or leading countries

Israel Defense Minister Acknowledges Responsibility for Haniyeh's July 31 Assassination in Tehran, Threatens Houthi Leaders

Dec 23, 2024, 07:39 PM

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly acknowledged for the first time that Israel was responsible for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. During a recent ceremony, Katz emphasized that Israel would continue to target Houthi leaders in Yemen, stating, 'We will severely cripple the Houthis, damage their strategic infrastructure, and behead their leaders—just as we did with Haniyeh, Sinwar, and Nasrallah.' Katz's remarks come amid heightened tensions following the interception of a drone launched from Yemen towards Israel, which he described as a decisive threat. The Israeli military has been actively involved in operations against Hamas and the Houthis, asserting its commitment to dismantling the leadership of these groups.