Reports have surfaced indicating that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered Iranian forces to initiate a 'direct' assault on Israel. This development was confirmed by three Iranian officials who spoke to the New York Times. The directive comes in the wake of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday.
While the White House has not independently verified Haniyeh's death, Tehran has attributed the incident to the Israel Defense Forces. Israel, on the other hand, has neither claimed nor denied responsibility for the strike in Beirut, Lebanon, which occurred on Tuesday.
In response to Haniyeh's death, Khamenei's English-language account on X labeled the Israeli regime as 'criminal' and 'terrorist,' vowing severe retribution. The statement praised Haniyeh's commitment to the cause and readiness for martyrdom.
Israeli Air Force's Commanding Officer Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar issued a stern warning, asserting Israel's readiness to strike anywhere necessary to defend its citizens. Bar emphasized the Air Force's preparedness across various battlefronts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the conflict as an 'existential war' against Iran's 'axis of evil.' Netanyahu underscored Israel's determination to confront threats from multiple sources and reiterated the country's resolve to retaliate against aggression.
The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have raised concerns about the potential for further hostilities in the region. Both sides have issued strong statements signaling their readiness to engage in conflict, heightening fears of a broader confrontation.
