Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, a large billboard appeared in Palestine Square in Iran’s capital, featuring a message in Hebrew directed at Israel.
The poster displayed a portrait of Haniyeh with the words “Wait for harsh punishment” in Hebrew, set against the backdrop of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. This bold statement came in response to reports that Iran’s supreme leader had authorized a direct attack on Israel in retaliation for Haniyeh’s death.
Ayatollah Ali Khameini, Iran’s supreme leader, expressed the need for revenge in a tweet without providing specific details of the planned response.
Although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for Haniyeh’s assassination, it is widely believed to be behind the operation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned the nation about potential challenges ahead as they await Iran’s retaliation.
In a previous incident in April, Iran launched missiles towards Israel for the first time, with the majority being intercepted. Israel retaliated by targeting a military site in Iran.
Sources suggest that the response to Haniyeh’s death may involve coordinated efforts with Iran’s regional allies, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, to target military installations while minimizing civilian casualties.