Killing of Hamas political leader points to diverging paths for Israel, US on cease-fire
Israel’s suspected killing of Hamas’ political leader in the heart of Tehran points to an Israeli government ever more openly at odds with diplomatic efforts by the Biden administration to calm the region
WASHINGTON (AP) — Israel's suspected killing of Hamas' political leader in the heart of Tehran, coming after a week in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahupromised U.S. lawmakers he would continue his war against Hamas until “total victory,” points to an Israeli leader ever more openly at odds with Biden administration efforts to calm the region through diplomacy.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking on an Asia trip, was left to tell reporters there that Americans had not been aware of or involved in the attack on Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, whose roles included overseeing Hamas' side in U.S.-led mediation to bring a cease-fire and release of hostages in the Gaza war.
The U.S. remains focused on a cease-fire in the 9-month-old Israeli war in Gaza “as the best way to bring the temperature down everywhere,” Blinken said after Haniyeh's killing.
The targeting, and timing, of the overnight strike may have all but destroyed U.S. hopes for now.
