Israel's Defense Minister Vows To Eliminate Hamas Leaders Abroad

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Hamas leaders residing outside the Gaza Strip are legitimate targets for Israel, following the overnight assassination of Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades' northern Gaza commander, Izz al-Din Bik, on September 29.

Katz stated that the Israeli military's operations aim to dismantle Hamas's ability to carry out attacks against Israeli soldiers, degrade its operational capacity, achieve its disarmament, and hold accountable all those responsible for the October 7 atrocities. "The IDF eliminated the commander of the northern brigade of the terrorist organization Hamas tonight, continuing a series of operations against terror leaders in Gaza," Katz said.

However, a significant portion of Katz's statement focused on Hamas leadership outside Gaza. "Hamas leaders abroad are also in our sights," the Defense Minister emphasized. "None of these despicable murderers, who played a central role in the October 7 massacre, will be allowed to die peacefully in their beds." Katz asserted that Israel would continue to pursue those involved in the October 7 attack, regardless of their location, calling it "our duty as a people and a state."

Katz specifically recalled an Israeli strike on Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar, last year, where leaders reportedly escaped "due to technical reasons." He warned, "One time they escaped due to malfunction. But the next time will come, and they too will be sent to the depths of hell." This refers to Hamas leadership who, after years abroad, believed themselves relatively safe from Israeli operations. In September 2025, Israel struck a meeting of senior Hamas officials in Doha, reportedly targeting figures like Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher al-Jabarin, Muhammad Darwish, Nizar Awadallah, and Khaled Meshaal. Hamas claimed the leaders survived, though Israel confirmed the operation. Katz's remarks indicate that the effort to eliminate Hamas leadership abroad is ongoing and may extend beyond the current combat zones in Gaza.