Former IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus spoke to CNN and said that although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, the IDF is on high alert for a potential retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah.
Conricus says the IDF “Is assessing the situation and preparing for a response from Iran and Hezbollah and a limited response from Hamas, since it isn’t clear how much military capability Hamas has left.”
He emphasized the potential joint Iran and Hezbollah response and said “The IDF is ready for that.”
When asked if Israel has “given up on a peaceful release of hostages” given that Haniyeh was a chief interlocuter in the hostage negotiations, Conricus replied, “I can see the logic behind it, but I don’t think that is the case.”
Conricus continued that Israel saw its opportunity to eliminate the Hamas leader on Iranian soil although this move “may complicate the situation in the immediate term when it comes to getting Israeli hostages out,” he added that “Ten months ago the Israel said all of the leaders of Hamas are dead men walking and its only a matter of time before they face the consequences of their murderous attacks against Israelis on October 7th.”
