Michael Higgins: Israel puts terrorist leaders on notice

Ismail Haniyeh was no moderate — he called for genocide

The execution of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh has made the world a more dangerous place, but it has also sent a powerful message to Israel’s enemies.

Israel is believed to be behind an air strike on a building that was housing Haniyeh who was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony for the country’s new president.

Hamas’s leaders will get the message that they are not safe anywhere, but Iran is also being notified that Israel can penetrate the country’s defences at will and strike with precision. If Iran’s leaders decide to escalate war in the region, the assassination of Haniyeh puts them on notice that they face a powerful and surgical opponent.