Staff Reports
Benjamin Netanyahu has set the Middle East ablaze—figuratively speaking, of course—following his recent encounter with Kamala Harris. The Israeli Prime Minister held a press conference that could only be described as a “scorched earth” strategy, proclaiming the deaths of two notorious terrorists just a day after his visit with the Vice President. The timing is more than coincidental; it underscores Israel’s recognition of the precarious political landscape fueled, in part, by the U.S. leadership’s current direction.
The IDF kicked off this unprecedented offensive by eliminating Fuad Shukr, the Hezbollah commander who orchestrated relentless rocket fire into Israeli territory. Shukr’s notorious reputation isn’t just based on his recent actions; he also played a pivotal role in the 1983 bombing of a U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut. Israel’s message is clear: when it comes to their security, past grievances will be settled in a most decisive manner. The swift action taken here sends a chilling reminder to other would-be aggressors lurking in the shadows.
Clip of how Hamas leaderd Ismail Haniyeh and Saleh al-Arouri celebrated while watching October 7th clips.
Israel turned both of them to chunky salsa 🥰
pic.twitter.com/I0afxH5bvz— Lyndsey Fifield (@lyndseyfifield) July 31, 2024
Then, Israel cranked up the intensity even further with the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ top political leader, in a surprise pre-dawn strike in Tehran. This man isn’t just another face in the crowd; he is a figure who has pilfered billions from humanitarian efforts while basking in the comforts of a life of luxury in Qatar. His absence is certainly a major setback for Hamas, whose leadership has voyeuristically feasted on the chaos they’ve orchestrated, while they remain untouchable until now. With Haniyeh out of the picture and the ground shifting beneath Hamas’ feet, Netanyahu appears determined not to let any enemy remain safe for long.
Israel’s recent frenetic pace seems particularly calculated in light of what many view as the impending futility of American support under a Harris administration. The Vice President’s reputation for diplomacy leans toward appeasing hostile actors, particularly Iran, thus making Israeli actions more urgent. Birthright terrorism thrives in environments where U.S. leadership shows weakness, and Harris, hesitating on the global stage alongside the absent President Biden, exemplifies such vulnerability. There’s little doubt that an empowered Iran and a bolstered Hamas could result from a foreign policy that prefers negotiation over elimination, and Israel is taking no chances.
The whispers in international circles of further high-profile kills, including a possible strike on Iranian commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, add another layer of complexity. While Netanyahu chose not to comment on these reports, the strategic implications are loud and clear. Israel recognizes that every second counts in their ongoing conflict, especially as their adversaries regroup and reorganize under the cover of inaction from the global power structure.
With pressures likely to escalate, the expectation is that Israel’s military campaign will intensify in both frequency and ferocity. Netanyahu’s stakes are high, and he knows that the window of opportunity may not remain open for long. Facing a U.S. administration that may not provide the same level of support, Israeli leadership seems determined to eliminate threats today rather than wait for diplomatic channels that might only lead to the emboldenment of their foes tomorrow. All eyes will be on the region as the situation evolves further.
