Mossad Allegedly Assassinated Hamas Leader Haniyeh

Mossad agents in Iran detonated an explosive device in the bedroom of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, which had been planted months earlier, it has been reported.

The bomb was placed two months ago in the house, which is run and protected by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to The New York Times, which cited seven Middle Eastern officials, including two Iranians, and an American.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the report to The Telegraph.

The bomb was detonated remotely when it was confirmed that the Hamas leader was inside the guesthouse. Haniyeh had apparently stayed in the guest house several times in the past.

Two IRGC officials said the explosion shook the building, and shattered some windows. The severe security breach was described as “catastrophic” and a “tremendous embarrassment” for the IRGC, according to the three Iranian officials.

The bomb was reportedly a “high-tech device that used artificial intelligence”.

While Israel has not taken responsibility for the assassination, five Middle Eastern officials said the US and Western governments were briefed by Israeli intelligence in the aftermath of the blast.

The planning of the attack took months and required extensive surveillance of the compound, the officials added.

An official within the IRGC told The Telegraph that Iran is considering targeting Tel Aviv in revenge for Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran.

Israel is on a high state of alert, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, amid growing expectations that Iran or its allies will retaliate for the killing of senior leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas this week.

"Israel is highly prepared for any scenario - both defensively and offensively," he said in a video released by his office during a visit to a Home Front Command base.

"We will exact a very heavy price for any act of aggression against us from any arena," Netanyahu said.