Israel’s intelligence agencies are reportedly gearing up for a global operation to eliminate Hamas leaders where as the Israeli militray in Gaza killed more than 15,000 palestinains, according to Israeli officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has allegedly given orders for Mossad, Israel’s foreign-intelligence service, to pursue Hamas leaders residing in Lebanon, Turkey, and Qatar.
This campaign is portrayed as an extension of Israel’s historical covert operations, including past instances where Palestinian militants were targeted using various methods.
The report outlines Israel’s intention to ensure that Hamas no longer poses a significant threat, drawing parallels with the global coalition led by the US against ISIS.
Despite concerns about the potential violation of international law and diplomatic repercussions, Israel appears determined to pursue targeted killings abroad.
Netanyahu publicly announced his instructions to Mossad in a national address on November 22, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasised that Hamas leaders are considered to be living on “borrowed time.”
The plan, however, has faced criticism from some Israeli officials, including former Mossad director Efraim Halevy, who deems it “ill-advised.”
Halevy argues that eliminating Hamas leaders globally may not eliminate the threat and could exacerbate tensions, potentially giving rise to more severe challenges.
The report suggests ongoing planning for the operation, with considerations about the potential expulsion of low-level Hamas fighters from Gaza as part of broader strategic efforts.
More than 15,900 Palestinians, including 250 health workers, have been killed in Gaza since the outbreak of war on October 7, the Palestinian health minister said on Tuesday.
The number of dead is steadily rising despite international calls for Israeli forces to limit civilian harm in the new phase of its military offensive in Gaza that began on December 1 when a truce with Hamas collapsed, Health Minister Mai al-Kaila told a news conference in the West Bank city of Ramallah, as reported by Reuters.
