The killing of Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on July 31, following an Israeli strike on Hezbollah’s senior commander Fouad Shukr in Beirut a day earlier, is sparking fears of an inevitable Iranian retaliation and a widening of the current regional conflict. The assassinations come on the heels of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington and the United States’ continued push to secure a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza.
Our experts discuss the ramifications of the latest escalation between Israel, Iran, and its proxies; Israel’s strategic calculations; the risk that the U.S. may be pulled into a broader regional war during a heated election campaign; and the impact of Haniyeh’s death on Hamas’ future.
Speakers
Joseph L. Votel
Distinguished Senior Fellow on National Security, MEI
Alex Vatanka
Senior Director for Strategic Outreach and Senior Fellow, MEI