Iran and Israel's Shadow War Flares After Top General's Death
Israeli Officials Saw Little Strategic Benefit from President Raisi's Death
Iranian Officials Claim Lack of Awareness of Hamas' Attack Plans
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A long-running shadow war between Iran and Israel has burst into the open following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash near the border with Azerbaijan.
Raisi, a hard-line protege of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was seen as a key figure in Iran's regional strategy. His death has raised questions about the future of Iran's relations with its neighbors and the potential for a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Israeli officials said they saw little strategic benefit from Raisi's death, as he was not considered a major threat to Israel. However, Iranian officials have condemned the attack, accusing Israel of carrying out a "terrorist act."
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi delivering remarks at the 2022 UN General Assembly in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas mourned Raisi's death on Monday, calling him a "martyr" and a "great leader." Hamas is believed to have carried out the attack that killed Raisi, but Iranian officials have denied any involvement.
The death of Raisi has raised tensions between Iran and Israel to their highest level in years. It remains to be seen whether the two countries will be able to de-escalate the situation or whether the shadow war will continue to escalate.
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