New York, United States – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered Israeli intelligence agencies to track and assassinate all political and military Hamas leaders two weeks ago, according to US journalist Seymour Hersh. The revelation comes from Hersh’s blog on the Substack website, citing unnamed sources.
Hersh claims that, based on information from a “well-informed Israeli,” Netanyahu tasked both the overseas intelligence agency and the internal security agency with a mission to locate and eliminate Hamas leaders. This directive is said to extend to the families of Hamas political and military leaders, including their spouses, siblings, children, and parents.
Tensions in the Middle East have flared up in recent weeks following an armed infiltration by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip into Israel. Hamas views this attack as a response to Israeli actions around the Al Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. In retaliation, Israel declared a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip and initiated airstrikes on the enclave, as well as certain areas in Lebanon and Syria. Clashes have also erupted in the West Bank.
The Israeli government’s reported decision to target Hamas leaders and their families has further escalated the conflict, raising concerns about the potential for more violence in the region. The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the Middle East.