the death of Hamas number 2 could be “a strong symbolic victory for Israel” according to a Middle East specialist

Can we fear the opening of a new war front in the Middle East? While the Hamas office in Beirut (Lebanon) was targeted, six people died, including Hamas number two, Saleh Al-Arouri. “If proven, it would be a turning point and an extremely strong symbolic victory for Israel, which has been trying since the beginning to kill Hamas leaders and political and military officials.”, observes independent journalist Éléonore Weill, specialist in the Middle East. Israel, however, has not confirmed being behind the attack. “There is no official statement, although some politicians comment, despite instructions not to talk about it”specifies the expert.

Consequences still uncertain

“Al-Arouri is a central figure in Hamas, but not in Gaza. He was based in Beirut and was considered the leader of Hamas’ military wing in the West Bank. (…) He encouraged terrorist activities, which organized transfers of funds to finance the terrorist attacks”explains Éléonore Weill. “If Hezbollah is not interested in escalating this war, there is still no sufficiently objective reason for all-out war. (…) Will this assassination today lead to a stronger response and a risk of total regional conflagration? The future will tell”she concludes.