The *New York Times* reported on Wednesday, citing a responsible American source, that the targeting of al-Arouri represents the first operation in a series of actions that Israel will carry out against Hamas leaders. The newspaper added, according to the American official, that Israel plans to execute a series of assassinations against Hamas leaders and that the targeting of al-Arouri is expected to obstruct talks aimed at reaching a short-term ceasefire agreement.
Although Israel has not officially announced its involvement in al-Arouri's assassination, the Israeli military confirmed its readiness for "all scenarios" and has heightened the alertness of its forces. It added that Israel will continue to fight Hamas and its leaders wherever they may be found, stressing that it will not change its policy. For his part, Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's Political Bureau, asserted that the assassination of al-Arouri constitutes a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and is a complete act of terrorism.
