Israeli Defense Minister's Statements on the Assassination of a Hamas Commander

The Israeli Defense Minister has accused the new Hamas leader of assassinating Mazen Faqha, one of the group's commanders outside Gaza. Avigdor Lieberman, the Israeli Defense Minister, stated that he would not be surprised if Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, were assassinated during the presidential election campaign next month. According to Israeli media reports on Tuesday, Avigdor Lieberman made these comments in an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth. In this interview, he discussed the role of the new Hamas leader in the assassination of Mazen Faqha, one of the group's commanders outside Gaza. However, the Israeli Defense Minister further stated: 'I would not be surprised if during the elections in Iran on May 19 (29 Ordibehesht), someone assassinates Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran.' He added: 'Based on my understanding of the system that exists there and the person who leads it, this would resemble an internal matter. This is a characteristic of terrorist organizations.' Mazen Faqha, one of the commanders of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, was assassinated on the evening of April 4 last year in front of his home in Gaza. Hamas leaders have stated, 'All evidence and the manner of operation in the assassination attempt on Mazen Faqha indicate that this attempt could only have been the work of the Israeli Mossad.' In this context, 126 people registered on the first day for candidacy in the Iranian presidential elections. The registration for candidates for the twelfth presidential election of Iran has begun. Raisi is seen as a game-changer in the 96 elections. Ahmad Montazeri stated that Ibrahim Raisi's candidacy is an insult to the Iranian people. Ibrahim Raisi announced that he will run for the presidential elections. Mohsen Rezaei stated that the continuation of Rouhani's government would turn Iran into a second Sudan.