Ismail Haniyeh's Death Caused by Explosive Device Planted Months Earlier

Former Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated by a remotely detonated explosive device hidden in his Tehran guesthouse, according to reports from The New York Times and independently confirmed by The Jerusalem Post. Contrary to initial reports of a drone strike, the bomb had been secretly smuggled into the guesthouse months earlier and utilized advanced remote technology, similar to that used in the assassination of Iran's nuclear chief, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) was responsible for security at the guesthouse, located in the upscale Neshat compound in northern Tehran. Despite their presence, the assassination was meticulously planned, targeting Haniyeh's consistent visits to the guesthouse, making it a predictable target for those behind the attack.

Although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for Haniyeh's assassination, Iran has accused Israel of orchestrating the operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea had previously issued threats against Haniyeh and other top Hamas leaders. Unlike the recent acknowledged assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah military chiefs Mohammed Deif and Fuad Shukr, Jerusalem has remained silent on Haniyeh's death.

Reports suggest that internal Iranian factions, possibly within the IRGC, initially spread the narrative of a drone strike to deflect blame for the security lapse. The Iranian military and Intelligence Ministry, often competing with the IRGC, may have sought to highlight the IRGC's failure to prevent the bomb from being planted.

IDF Chief Spokesman R.-Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed on Thursday that Israel did not conduct any airstrikes in the Middle East the night Haniyeh was killed, ruling out the possibility of a drone attack. This confirmation underscores the sophistication of the operation and the use of cutting-edge remote technology.

Interestingly, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, the leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, was present next door to Haniyeh during the explosion but was not harmed. This may be due to strategic considerations, as Israel has historically targeted Hamas more than Islamic Jihad, viewing Hamas as the "sovereign" authority in Gaza. This targeted approach reflects Israel's broader strategy to prioritize threats and allocate resources accordingly.

Haniyeh's assassination represents a significant blow to Hamas, particularly as he was seen as an obstacle in hostage negotiations and a potential unifying force for Palestinian factions. His death forces Hamas to reevaluate its leadership and strategy, potentially opening new avenues for negotiations and shifts in regional dynamics.

This high-profile assassination highlights the ongoing complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the intricate operations employed by state and non-state actors. As developments continue, the international community remains watchful of the repercussions and the potential for further escalation. For more insights and updates, subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed about the unfolding events in the region.