Israel's drone strike on Hamas officials in Lebanon raises concerns of wider war

A recent drone strike in Lebanon killed a top Hamas deputy and two other officials. Although Israel has not claimed responsibility, both the U.S. and Hamas attribute it to the IDF. The deceased, Salah El-Auri, served as a mediator between Hamas and Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militia funded by Iran. Analysts worry that this incident might escalate Israel's war with Hamas and provoke a larger conflict involving other actors. Israel aims to weaken Hamas and eliminate its leaders, but past targeted assassinations have shown that Hamas quickly replaces its members. The death of El-Auri is not likely to significantly alter the course of the war in the short term. However, tensions have increased, and there is anticipation of a potential response from Hezbollah.