The Aftermath of Arouri’s Death: Responses, Hazards, and Implications

In what appears to be an Israeli operation in Beirut, Lebanon, the deputy leader of Hamas, a significant figure in the conflict with Israel, was killed on Tuesday. This event is seen as a major escalation in the conflict and raises concerns about the potential for broader regional hostilities.

Saleh Arouri, a key figure in Hamas and a founder of its military wing, was the highest-ranking member of the group to be killed since hostilities with Israel escalated. His death is expected to provoke significant retaliation from Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The targeted strike occurred in a Shiite district in Beirut, a known stronghold of Hezbollah. Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has previously threatened retaliation for any Israeli operations targeting Palestinian officials in Lebanon.

The Israeli and Lebanese military have been engaging in almost daily exchanges of fire across the Israeli-Lebanese border. However, Hezbollah had shown restraint in escalating the conflict until now. A forceful response from Hezbollah could potentially lead to a full-scale war on Israel’s northern frontier.

The Lebanese National News Agency reported that an Israeli drone carried out the strike. Israeli officials have not officially confirmed their involvement. Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, while not directly addressing Arouri’s death, emphasized Israel’s focus on combating Hamas.

The timing of the strike is significant, occurring just before a visit to the region by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The U.S. has been attempting to prevent the conflict from spreading, urging Hezbollah and Iran, its regional supporter, not to escalate the situation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has committed to continuing operations in Gaza until Hamas is defeated and hostages are released. Israeli officials have also indicated a possible increase in actions against Hezbollah if cross-border fire continues.

The strike in Beirut is part of Israel’s broader strategy against Hamas. The group’s attack from Gaza into southern Israel on October 7 led to significant casualties and hostage-taking. Israel asserts it has eliminated several Hamas leaders in Gaza, but this incident marks the first time Israel has targeted top Hamas leaders in another country.

Arouri was a central figure in Hamas, overseeing its activities in the West Bank and coordinating with Hezbollah. The blast in Beirut killed Arouri and six other Hamas members, including two military commanders.

The killing has drawn various reactions. Hamas leader Haniyeh vowed the group’s strengthened resolve. Hezbollah denounced the strike as a serious assault on Lebanon, promising retaliation. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati criticized the killing, viewing it as drawing Lebanon further into the war. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh also condemned the attack, warning of potential risks and consequences.

Internationally, Iran criticized the killing, and French President Emmanuel Macron urged Israel to avoid escalating tensions, particularly in Lebanon.

The conflict has heightened fears of regional involvement. Israeli strikes in neighboring countries targeting groups allied with Hamas have increased concerns of a broader conflict. Recent strikes in Syria and actions by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in solidarity with Hamas illustrate the growing regional dimensions of the conflict.

In response to these developments, the U.N. Security Council, including France and the United States, planned to discuss the situation, particularly focusing on the Houthi attacks. Additionally, Turkey has detained individuals suspected of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, with President Erdogan previously warning Israel against targeting Hamas figures in Turkey.