Israel’s Targeted Campaign Against Hamas Leaders: Who Is in the Crosshairs?
As one of the authors of a new explainer on The Media Line’s website, “Who’s Next on Israel’s Hitlist?“, I, alongside Lana Ikelan, approach a subject that’s ethically fraught and inherently controversial. While some might find the topic of targeted assassinations distasteful, it raises critical questions about the nature of conflict and accountability. After all, why should the burden of war fall entirely on lower-level combatants—soldiers, guerrilla fighters, and terrorist operatives—and tragically, innocent noncombatants, while the leaders who strategize and give orders remain largely unscathed?
Our article does not explore the ethical dimensions of targeted assassinations but it does shine a light on a reality often shrouded in complexity and moral ambiguity. The focus is on potential targets in Israel’s strategic campaign against Hamas’ leadership, a subject that is undeniably pivotal in understanding the dynamics of conflict.
I’m generally not one to tout my own work but for those seeking an in-depth understanding of Israel’s ongoing campaign against key Hamas figures, our explainer is a good place to start. It begins with the recent assassination of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut. Tracing back, it highlights Israel’s efforts to disrupt Hamas since the Oslo Accords, especially during the Second Intifada. Key events include the 1996 killing of bomb-maker Yahya Ayyash and the 2010 assassination of Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh in Dubai.
The article then shifts to potential Israeli targets, including Hamas chief in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, and his brother Mohammed Sinwar, both heavily involved in Hamas’ military operations. Khaled Mashal, former Hamas political bureau chairman who survived a botched and politically controversial 1997 Mossad assassination attempt in Amman, is also mentioned.
The piece explores the intricate dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict, including Qatar’s role in mediating and hosting Hamas leaders like Mashal and Ismail Haniyeh. It also delves into the life of Mohammed Deif, head of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and Marwan Issa, his deputy, both key figures in Hamas’ military strategy.
The article concludes by considering the political implications of Israel targeting Hamas officials in other Middle Eastern countries and the potential backlash from Hizbullah. The full article is available on The Media Line’s website.
