Israel’s Campaign Against Key Adversaries in the Middle East: An Assessment

A visual depiction in Tel Aviv dated August 2, 2024, featured images of Hamas figures Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh with a Hebrew label translating to "eliminated."

Recently, an unexpected Israeli military action targeting senior Hamas officials in Qatar did not manage to eliminate any prominent figures, as per Hamas reports.

Nevertheless, this marks the latest in a series of calculated offensives targeting Israel's primary foes since the Hamas-led incursion into Israel in 2023. Over the past two years, Israel has launched a sequence of precision strikes across the Middle East—including areas in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Yemen, and Qatar—focused on top militants and occasionally top Iranian dignitaries.

In certain cases, such as incursions in Lebanon and Iran, these operations have temporarily alleviated hostilities. Conversely, in Gaza and Yemen, these measures have failed to cease ongoing conflicts.

Listed below are key individuals who have met their demise due to Israeli actions over the past two years.

Saleh Arouri: High-Ranking Hamas Operative Neutralized in Lebanon

Saleh Arouri became the initial high-ranking Hamas member to be terminated by Israel abroad post the October 7, 2023 assault.

Following his imprisonment in Israel and subsequent liberation in a 2011 deal, Arouri orchestrated hostilities from afar. His elimination transpired in Lebanon in January 2024.

Following his death, Zaher Jabareen assumed his position, becoming the target in Israel's recent assault on Doha.

The Stealth of Mohammed Deif: Hamas' Military Tactician

As the enigmatic leader of Hamas' militant branch in Gaza, Mohammed Deif was a perpetual target for Israel. A substantial airstrike on a campsite for displaced individuals in Gaza resulted in his demise in July 2024, with approximately 90 reportedly perishing in the operation, according to Gaza health authorities. Initial denials were made by Hamas regarding his death, only acknowledging it later.

The Israeli defense official likened Deif to 'the Osama bin Laden of Gaza,' stating his death was a crucial step in weakening Hamas' governing and military prowess there.

Subsequent to Deif’s removal, Mohammed Sinwar also faced elimination at the hands of Israel in May of the current year at a subterranean site under a Khan Younis medical facility. His position is now occupied by Izzedin al-Haddad, who remains a chief combatant against Israeli forces in Gaza.

Strategic Losses: The Fate of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar

Leading Hamas' political segment since 2017, Haniyeh relocated from Gaza with his kin to Doha in 2019. His life ended in a detonation incident in Tehran amid the Iranian president’s induction in July 2024.

Haniyeh, known for his moderate views, was also considered more open to negotiations for ceasefire with Israel.

He was succeeded by Yahya Sinwar, a more extreme figure credited with orchestrating the October 7 attacks. Sinwar was terminated by Israeli forces in October 2024. Despite his death marking a pivotal moment, Hamas persists almost a year later.

The Demise of Hassan Nasrallah: Hezbollah’s Prolonged Leader

In late September 2024, an Israeli operation in Beirut led to the death of Nasrallah, longtime commander of the Iranian-favored Hezbollah militia. Prompted reactions from President Joe Biden acknowledged this as a stride towards justice for his numerous victims.

Nasrallah’s termination, along with Israeli ground offensives and strategic disruptions, diminished Hezbollah’s grip, indirectly contributing to the collapse of Assad’s Syrian regime, and seizing a temporary halt in Israeli-Hezbollah exchanges.

This development has progressively nudged Hezbollah to disarmament discussions with the Lebanese administration, although Israeli forces uphold vigilance with sporadic engagements in southern Lebanon.

Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior player in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, was among higher-ranking Iranian casualties in a strike on their Damascus consulate in April 2024.

Though Israel refrained from admitting accountability, Iran attributed the incident to Israel, retaliating with missile launches — a precursor to an escalated conflict this year.

Targeted Strikes on Iranian Leadership

June 2025 saw Israel instigate conflict with Iran, commencing with surprise strikes on nuclear installations and senior leadership. Key figures including IRGC leaders like Hossein Salami and Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, alongside notable nuclear scientists, were among the casualties.

The confrontation, which also engaged the U.S. and resulted in mutual aggression between Iran and Israel, persisted for nearly two weeks until mediation from the U.S. and Qatar prompted a ceasefire.

While frontal engagements have ceased, experts suggest that Israel’s operations did not decisively reduce Iran's nuclear potential, prompting speculation regarding future strategic confrontations between the two nations.

Iranian-Aligned Houthi Leaders Targeted in Yemen

An Israeli aerial assault in late August on Sana’a, Yemen's capital, led to the deaths of top Houthi faction leaders, including their Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and various officials.

The airstrike was a reply to prior Houthi aggression against Israel, especially a near-strike at Israel’s major airport in May, alongside rocket and drone activities tied to events in Gaza.

Israel’s defense chief vowed vindication, urging the Houthis that provocations would incur severe repercussions, but exchanges persist even now.