Hamas says its political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in an Israeli attack in the Iranian capital. According to Iranian media, an air strike hit a building for war veterans in Tehran where Haniyeh was staying at around 02:00 (22:30 GMT). Haniyeh, 62, was widely considered Hamas’s overall leader and played a key role in negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Israel has not commented, but it has promised to destroy Hamas following the 7 October attack on southern Israel which killed 1,200 people. On Wednesday, the Israeli government’s press office posted a photo of Haniyeh on social media captioned with the word “eliminated”, which it has subsequently deleted.
According to Hamas, Haniyeh was in Tehran to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who was sworn in on Tuesday. His death could now delay efforts to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza, as he was a critical interlocutor in the negotiations brokered by Qatar, the US and Egypt.
Several countries, including Iraq, Turkey, Russia and Qatar have condemned the attack. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the assassination was “something we were not aware of or involved in”. Hamas’s armed wing said Haniyeh’s death would “take the battle to new dimensions” and have major repercussions. Iran’s leader Ayatollah Khamenei has vowed “harsh punishment” against Israel, and has declared three days of national mourning.
Haniyeh’s death comes just a hours after Israel claimed it killed the top military commander of Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based group, also backed by Iran. Israel said it killed Fuad Shukr in an air strike, in retaliation for a rocket attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights at the weekend. Hezbollah has not yet confirmed that a senior commander was killed by an Israeli attack in Beirut on Tuesday, but has said Shukr was in a building which was targeted. “Since the incident, the civil defence teams have been working to lift the rubble steadily, but slowly, due to the situation of the destroyed classes, and we are still waiting for the result,” a statement released by the group on Wednesday said. Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the country was not seeking to escalate with Hezbollah, but was “prepared to handle all scenarios”.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck7g0g4mk4zo
Comment: Well there goes any hope of a ceasefire and hostage release. To be honest, I don’t think Netanyahu wants either. Now Teheran has vowed to return the attack on her territory and the killing of Haniyeh. This, after Israel’s attack on Beirut and the possible killing of Hezbollah’s Fouad Shukur, could mean a much wider war with Lebanon and Iran with the Houthis and Hamas adding to the very possible multi-front war. The only real question is whether Netanyahu can convince or goad Biden into joining in.
TTG
“Sir, I honor and respect the personal dignity of any man who respects my dignity.”
Frank Herbert, Dune
The Israeli nuclear and US imperial backstop has been a sword of Damocles over the middle east. However, Israel has long been using another, more conventional sword to slowly eviscerate the region. Eventually, even discounting the powerful motivator that is pride, Israel will erode the threat of its nuclear capability. Death by 1,000 cuts for the enemies of Israel is death by 1,000 cuts for Israel’s deterrent capability. This is not a stable system, despite appearing to be so for so long.
Every time Israel assassinates a Palestinian leader or kills a Palestinian as a collateral damage, they lose a little bit more.
There is no military solution to this issue, something neither side has learned. If if the entire Palestinian population was ethnically cleansed, which a large percentage of Israelis actually support, it would not stop it. It would just change the nature of the conflict.
The solution is laid out in numerous UN Resolutions and International Law. A Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and all illegal settlements vacated. Leaving those settlements for the returning Palestinian populations would maybe satisify the reparations part of things.
A separate agreement would be needed for Arab Jews expelled or who left their home countries in the wake of 1948. None of this will happen with the US and other western nations aiding and abetting continued Israeli crimes.
Stefan
“If if the entire Palestinian population was ethnically cleansed, which a large percentage of Israelis actually support, it would not stop it. It would just change the nature of the conflict.”
This would actually solve a lot of Israel’s problems. That’s why they are trying to make it happen.
It would solve some issues and create others. The conflict would not be over, the nature of it would just change.
There are half a million Israelis in those settlements, and more moving in every day. They won’t go peacefully and I don’t think anyone is capable of forcing them out. Likewise, the Arab states aren’t going to do anything for the Jews they forced out after 1948.
TTG..
I agree 100% with all your comments. Hezbollah has confirmed that Fouad Shukur was killed in and Israeli air strike on Tuesday 30th July.
The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran is a case of killing the messenger and history shows the bankruptcy of this strategy.
Of course, Netanyahu and his government do not want a ceasefire. The Hamas attack on 7th October 2023 was Israels 9/11 moment and they will consolidate their expansion in the region especially with USA’s ‘ironclad’ backing. As you suggest TTG, how real this backing is unknown, boots on the ground? not likely.
Bidens goose is cooked, but the Borg (God bless PL for this descriptive) are fully in control and the USA will fully support Israels pursuit of its destined victory, Pyrrhic as it will be.
So far, Israels enemies have kept their powder dry, most likely awaiting an opportune moment.
rw
I guess the Iranian security services were too focused on their own population to be bothered with an outside threat.
He was killed by an explosive device planted in a location months ago, likely by an Iranian working with/for the Israelis.
“The only real question is whether Netanyahu can convince or goad Biden into joining in.”
I don’t think that’s the real question.
The American Jewish community will decide that.
Are they split on this issue?
Yes.
But the preponderance of opinion seems to be to support the chosen positions of Israel.
They will go with that.
Israel also just confirmed that Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri (AKA Mohammed Deif), leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades is dead. Apparently killed about a month ago but just now verified. Deif initiated the 7 October raid that killed 796 civilians. It was Deif who implemented the ‘above and below’ strategy, attacking with rockets and underground tunnels (including some of those tunnels under the border).
I’m amazed at the Izzies’ intel capabilites. On the other hand I’m not a fan of the ‘kill-the-head-of-the-snake’ strategy. More seem to rise to take their place.
You are amazed with their intel capabilities? It is these same capabilities that were unable to detect and act on a mission the size and scale of 10/07. Their intel skills are very much hit and miss. I would not be surprised if the US or another Western nation gave them the information needed for these strikes. The Colonel often talked about the skills, or lack there of, of the IDF and Israeli intelligence.
It is amazing they have not realised that the Paletinians are not going anywhere. They love the land as much as the Israelis do and most them do not have second and third passports to be able to flee the region at will like many Israelis do.
The Israelis have beat multiple Arab militaries in the past. Lets face it, most Arab militaries are more about internal repression rather than fighting outside forces. 2006 changed that dynamic. The Israelis were beaten and spanked hard. 2006 is exactly why there has not yet been war with Lebanon. Absent the lesson the Israelis learned in 2006, they would have already been in Lebanon for months now.
Time is not on the side of the Israelis, yet they seem unable to realise this. Because of their actions since 10/07 their standing with even their allies has fallen greatly. Demographics and the opinions of the youth in the US show that they will not be able to count on US support indefinitely either. They realise this that is why they are reaching out to countries like India.
Sooner or later the tables will turn and the longer they fight peace the worse the outcome will be for them.
Stefan –
According to the NY Times, Haaretz and the BBC senior IDF leaders ignored intel warnings. Same as what Bush did before 9/11 attacks. Netanyahu was moving troops north at the behest of his whackadoodle National Security Minister Ben Gvir who was obsessed with the West Bank.
That’s some really good shooting on Israel’s part. It has to have the Iranians thinking. Iran can fire a gazillion missile and drones some maybe make it through the air defenses to Israel to near a target as big as an airfield. Israel, on the other hand, can put ordnance right up a selected Iranian’s backside from the same range and no one saw it coming.
The only way to deal with unrepentant savages is through strength. It’s all they respect. I don’t understand those who think terrorists can be appeased. Also, the idea that Israel is crazy is a crazy idea. Israel knows it has vast superiority in its weapons systems. It also knows that the US will assist, just as the US assists the Ukrainians against Russian barbarity. Israel should not cave to Iran/Hamas anymore than Ukraine should cave to Russia. The sad truth about human life is that sometimes it just has to be a choice of war or perish.
Yes Eric, but which ones are the “unrepentant Savages?”
Walrus,
Obviously the ones that stone women for showing a little leg, throw homosexuals from rooftops, hang political dissidents from cranes on public streets, have no freedom of speech, wipe their asses with their hands. Is that how you live?
Eric,
The Israelis just rioted in defense of nine soldiers who sodomized a prisoner.
– Eliot
They actually broke into the compound where the abuse took place. It is pretty clear it is widespread and systemic at this location.
They broke in, including two members of the Knesset. Many of those who broken in were reservists in the IDF. The IDF at the location refused to do anything about it.
The 9 who were to be arrested holed themselves up with weapons for a period of time in a stand off situation. The IDF at the location refused to do anything, police didnt do anything. Accusations were being thrown between the IDF and police as to whose responsibility it was.
There is a serious breakdown in Israel when they cannot even control their military bases from being attacked and occupied. Not a good sign for Israel moving forward.
The lunatics seem to have been given free range.
The rape victim died yesterday.
Meanwhile is passing:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/30/us/my-lai-massacre-william-calley-death/index.html
Eliot,
First, the sexual abuse is alleged, not proven.
Second, those accused of the abuse are not being celebrating as heroes by the IDF or the Israeli population in general. In fact, they were arrested.
Contrast all of the above with the behavior of Hamas and the Palestinian population in general. 180 degrees. Were any of the Palestinian perpetrators of the Oct slaughter and rape of Israelis charged with crimes by Hamas (or whatever governing body)? Were they celebrated as heroes by many? yes.
You don’t know the full story of the alleged abuse and you should wait until the facts come out in court before smearing the population of an entire country and their entire armed forces.
Keep up on the news Eric. It was not a missile or other airborne munition that killed him. Sources are saying that he was killed by an explosive that had been placed months ago. Israelis decided to use it now.
Stefan,
Hamas said it was a missile. [deleted] can’t get it right. If it was a bomb, then it was brilliant espionage and shows that Iran and Hamas have been infiltrated. Any way you cut it, Israel is extremely impressive.
OTOH, maybe Israel had nothing to do with it and it was merely [deleted] killing each other, as they are won’t to do. Then they blame Israel for their own screwed up existence and glaring flaws, as they are also wont to do.
Evidently he had a mistress and it was placed inside a sex toy
Had bluetooth.Got that from twitter
https://longdistancefun.com/top-5-best-long-distance-sex-toys/
How bizarre.It came with a bang
That is hardly a pious Muslim. My guess is that it was Allah who struck him down.
مشيئة الله
Could be but the timing is interesting.I would hope Taiwan keep an eye out for an earthquake or any other unnatural movements and be ready to respond with sausage and eggs.
While I know some of you are really obsessed about what happens 5000 miles away from the U.S., in Ukraine,
I want to mention something that is happening right here in America:
the demise of vdare.com.
This is discussed by its two leaders,
Peter and Lydia Brimelow:
https://vdare.com/index.html#peter
https://vdare.com/#lydia
It is incredibly clear to me that this is far more significant to America than who rules Kyiv.
Of course others will disagree.
But as for me, I really appreciate and am grateful for the work the Brimelows have done.
Keith Harbaugh,
I certainly won’t shed a tear for the demise of vdare.com. The only good thing about them is that they seemed to be non-violent.
“The only real question is whether Netanyahu can convince or goad Biden into joining in.”
When Israel orders “Jump!”, the US asks how high.
With respect to Israel the US does not behave like a sovereign country.
Israel could nuke Teheran tomorrow and the US would still have its back.
Well, get ready for a nuclear armed Iran. That is a very rational decision for Iran to make in the present political situation.
Get a nuke which can be mounted on their existing missil systems. Copy North Korea and suddenly the US/Israel will back off. How long would that take 1-2 years?
North Korea, Russia and China may even be willing to help out.
Killing the other side’s lead negotiator is a drastic way to end negotiations. Israel is now locked into a path of exterminating Hamas, which likely requires killing or exiling most of the population of Gaza. Supporters of this path assuage their conscience with the fantasy that Gazans “should” rise up against Hamas, but every Gazan killed by Israeli bombs cements the permanent enmity of dozen of relatives.
Killing Haniyeh is also a big FU to Biden, Harris, and other top Democrats who have been pushing for a negotiated end to the Gaza War. The timing – days after direct talks between Netanyahu, Biden, and Harris – is a message that Democratic candidates in November will be forced to choose between AIPAC money (and media influence) and voters appalled at the carnage in Gaza. Netanyahu seems to believe that a Trump/GOP presidency will be more advantageous for him. In the short run, he could be right; in the long run, he might dead before Israel gets overwhelmed the many enemies is has created.
An even more sinister option is the possibility that the attack in Teheran will be followed by a false flag attack on US units in the region. Any such attack would be quickly framed as Iranian retaliation, to whip up American sentiment for direct attacks on Iran. I note with alarm that the Teddy Roosevelt (CVN-71) recently sailed into the Persian Gulf, providing the perfect target for such an attack.
It’s getting scary. I don’t see a safe path through this.
I had no idea what vdare.com was, but after reading about them, good riddance. Being a white supremacist should be hard.
Hooray for Letelia James! Take that convicted white, uhm did they get convicted of being a “white (uncapitalized) supremacist? What law in NY makes that a crime? Is labeling by the left all that is needed to be one? Can’t wait for her to take out X.
Fred,
The NYAG investigation is for “potential financial improprieties, including unlawful related party transactions between VDARE and affiliated entities, officers and board members, excessive compensation, private inurement, and violations of statutory and common law governance standards.” It’s for business practices, not website content or being a white supremacist.
TTG,
Why didn’t you direct that comment to Lars?
Fred,
You suggested VDARE was being convicted of being white supremacist and asked what “law in NY makes that a crime.” Besides, I’m sure Lars can read my comment.
TTG,
I suggested nothing of the sort. Reread Lars’ comment.
Fred,
“Hooray for Letelia James! Take that convicted white, uhm did they get convicted of being a “white (uncapitalized) supremacist? What law in NY makes that a crime? Is labeling by the left all that is needed to be one? Can’t wait for her to take out X.”
That was your response to Lars comment, “I had no idea what vdare.com was, but after reading about them, good riddance. Being a white supremacist should be hard.”
Whatever the stature of Letitia James is within the legal community,
she has a very well documented history of making strident political statements.
Some examples:
https://www.newsweek.com/letitia-james-reveals-new-singular-focus-kamala-harris-donald-trump-1931071
https://nypost.com/2024/07/24/us-news/ny-ag-letitia-james-says-her-singular-focus-is-to-help-kamala-harris-beat-donald-trump
She ran for election to be AG on claims she would prosecute Trump.
That was part of her election platform!
See
https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-new-york-letitia-james-lawsuit-a3a2c2569440c24bd5c5262103cb8390
There seems to be no basis to believe she can apply the law impartially.
Whether she attacks Donald Trump or vdare.com,
there is a pattern there.
TTG,
“Being a white supremecist is hard” was his reference to what, in relation to the website he had no idea existed? On a post about Hamas which had zero to do with the NY AG?
Fred,
You’re right. It had nothing to do with Hamas. Lars comment was in direct response to Keith Harbaugh’s lament on the demise of vdare.com, which also has nothing to do with Hamas. Lighten up, Francis.
TTG,
It was? How would I know since it isn’t nested there nor did he name who he was responding to? Thanks for keeping me in line though, hate to wander to far off the reservation.
Fred,
You’re one of the more disciplined and reasonable among us. Now some here are like herding a pack of squirrels. Thankfully, I like squirrels.
If past is prologue then there is exactly zero chance that Netanyahu can “convince or goad Biden into joining in”.
The USA will supply money, guns and lawyers (thank you, Warren Zevon) but they will not send US soldiers to fight alongside IDF soldiers.
After all, when was the last time that US soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder alongside Israeli troops?
When was the last time that IDF F-15’s flew top-cover for USAF bombing raids?
Was is “never”, or was it “not ever”?
The Jewish community and pro Israeli types should be happy over this. Support for Israel in the US has slid dramatically since 10/07, even in the Jewish community in the US. If Israel drags the US into a boots on the ground conflict it might just be the end of support for Israel in the US. Israel is pushing for war, doing everything it can to instigate it, I believe because they think the US and other actors will support them.
If they are pushing for war, let them do it on their own.
House of david
16/092023
Hey buddy long time no tea
You coming to Burning Man
Where all men are free
Of course Boaz i say
I am already there
Like yesterday,
It’s been a long time
Since we last met
At the scene of a crime
I start my journey
To the holy land
Of milk and honey,
He has an old iron horse
Rolling on the stones
Par for the course,
We come to the end
Says now we walk
Into the hills we wend
As day turns to night
We come upon ancient ruins
In the sky stars burn bright,
Here we pitch a tent
Light a fire
Of will and intent,
I drink from the stream
The waters of sight
Step into my dream
I hear a man say
Blessings for you pilgrim
Bread with the wine
You can come on in
Anytime is fine
Into the House of David
That once stood here
When all was united
Or so did it appear.
USS Theodore Roosevelt recently moved into the Persian Gulf. It is a very tempting target for the “Axis of Resistance” – and also the perfect target for a false flag attack. If it gets sunk – or even hit – US Media will instantly blame Iran. Republicans will howl for [nuclear?] vengeance, NeoCons in both Parties will be interviewed on all TV channels and write lotsa Op-Ed pieces for prominent publications about “why Iran did it” and “why we must attack them hard, now”.
(Top Brass at the Pentagon would probably be split, with some viewing a Real War as a chance for promotion and others recognizing the costs)
Harris – running for President – would have to go along with the frenzy. Trump would continue to talk out of both sides of his mouth, alternatively channeling John McCain (“Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran”) and blithering about how he would cut a deal with Iran.
Biden would be the only person who could keep the US out of war long enough to allow real analysis of the attack. No longer running for President, probably aware of prior false flags, and certainly pissed off at Bibi, he *might* be able to resist the advice of the NeoCons in his NatSec group long enough to allow real analysis of the attack to [maybe] determine actual responsibility. OTOH, any delay would trigger calls for a “25th Amendment” solution.
I’m not so sure that we can rely upon Biden to keep us out of war,
And the US wouldn’t have to “fight alongside IDF soldiers”. Our job would be to bomb Iran (and various supply routes to Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, etc), leaving the IDF to finish cleansing Gaza (and maybe southern Lebanon). But if the TR gets knocked out of action – and especially if Turkey shuts down Incirlik – then we’re limited to long flights by Bones and Buffs, with no fighter escort… or missiles.
I *really* hope I’m wrong about this.
US Carrier groups move into position in the Middle East to provide cover for US Navy Amphibious Assault Ships.
Those, in turn, are positioned off the coast of “hot spots” primarily to be there in case US and other western nationals have to be evacuated at very short notice.
The Pentagon could use an Expeditionary strike group to establish a beachhead but, really, where?
So I wouldn’t put much emphasis on the movement of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Maybe Austin will order its FA-18 to shoot down Iranian drones heading for Netanyahu’s house but, apart from that, its there in case all the American busybodies in the Middle East need to be saved.
” The only real question is whether Netanyahu can convince or goad Biden into joining in.”
TTG – In the eyes of the world President Biden, and the Europeans, have very definitely joined in. In spite of all the reservations they express, and in some cases the condemnatory statements they put out, the plain fact is that the Western politicians are not holding the Israelis back even though they have the power to do so.
In the case of the US, we can’t even say that President Biden in an outlier. Donald Trump has gone further in expressing support for Israeli actions. The greater part of the Republican Party goes even further than that. As for the European politicians, no one outside the West can be fooled by the condemnatory statements coming out from Borrell down.
In the case of the UK, I’ve seen Starmer’s withdrawal of objections to the ICJ arrest warrants taken as indication that our position on Israeli actions is shifting. It indicates nothing of the sort. Starmer is as committed to supporting them as his predecessors. He merely wishes to shore up support in what’s left of his muslim voter base with this token gesture. No more than that.
So too with the RAF surveillance flights. We may say they’re only for the purpose of getting information that might help free the hostages. That might even be true. But the rest of the world sees that as direct involvement with and assistance to Israeli activities in Gaza.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/raf-flies-250-surveillance-flights-near-gaza-in-six-months/
So too on the Continent. Actions speak louder than words:-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68929873
“Berlin is a staunch ally of Israel and the second largest supplier of arms to the country after the US ”
“… In 2023 some 30% of Israel’s military equipment purchases came from Germany, totalling $326.5m (£257m) last year – a tenfold increase on 2022.”
In the US, one need only examine the views of Mike Johnson to know that automatic support of whatever Israel chooses to do is not confined to the two flag deplorables of flyover country. The portion of the American electorate that holds to this or that version of dispensationalist doctrine is smaller than it was, but still large enough to ensure backing for whatever Netanyahu does.
And Haaretz may dismiss Netanyahu’s reception in Washington, with some justice as it happens: the support there was much weaker than it looked. But the rest of the world will see only the 52 standing ovations and will take that as proof that the West is lined up in support of Israeli actions. As in practical terms it is.
The Western position is that those Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank are not atrocities. That the Israelis are taking justified military and other measures to defend themselves against a deadly threat to their very existence. In that case civilian casualties, though regrettable and to be minimised if possible, are unavoidable. Deadly threats require a deadly response.
Alternatively – we are fertile in exculpatory argument – the West disapproves of Israeli actions, does see them as atrocities, but is powerless to prevent them. Rubbish. Israel is a tiny country almost entirely dependent on the West. We could stop it all tomorrow if we chose.
Such may very well be the position of the Western politicians, and to a great extent of the Western electorates – but the rest of the world doesn’t see it like that! To them, these are straight atrocities supported by the entirety of the West. Recent statements from Ben-Gvir on the prisoner torture are also taken as evidence of state-supported atrocity and there again the Western response is seen as inadequate. If we have the power to stop such behaviour but don’t then, again, it’s not the words and token gestures that count. The rest of the world sees clearly that in failing to stop such behaviour when we could we are complicit in it.
And that is how they see the Western response throughout. We in the West are complicit in what all outside the West regard as atrocity and, where it matters, actively supporting atrocity by our deeds. As far as they are concerned we are left without a leg to stand on when it comes to prating of the rules based international order. We have ourselves destroyed our own international credibility.
EO,
Just want to say that you are writing brilliantly here and you’re absolutely right.
TTG – may I correct? – “We can’t even say President Biden is an outlier”.
Plus, I’m afraid, putting ICJ instead of ICC.
Eric,
“You don’t know the full story of the alleged abuse and you should wait until the facts come out in court before smearing the population of an entire country and their entire armed forces.”
Smear?
I’ve seen enough, it’s who they are.
Isn’t it funny when it is the Israelis blasted by almost the entire world it is “wait and don’t judge” yet he has consistent blamed Palestinians for everything, indeed all Muslims and Arabs, yet we must wait before Israel is condemned. The double standard is glaring.
Stefan,
It’s not a double standard in the least bit. Good try though.
The Muslims proudly take credit for atrocities and their populations celebrate the acts. The Israelis are following a judicial process and if the accused are found guilty by weight of evidence, they will be convicted and punished.
It is disturbing that you can’t see the difference, but, I guess, not surprising. In fact, I’m pretty sure you are consciously avoiding it because you are a spokesmen for some very bad people. You already have said that you lobbied on behalf of the Houthis.