A top Israeli military official said that his country has “evidence of Iranian involvement” in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack which killed at least 1,400 people.
Major General Michael Edelstein, a combat veteran in the Israel Defence Forces Southern Command, said Hamas attackers were “well trained, well equipped”.
He told journalists on Monday: “You definitely can see evidence, we have evidence of Iranian involvement.”
However, the commander did not provide evidence for the claim and would not elaborate on specifics but added that it was “more than just equipment”.
The General said: “They built some training sites within Gaza and I can tell they act very professionally, unfortunately. In a very evil way. But this is the way they were trained to act.”
He would not say whether Hamas terrorists who stormed over the Israel-Gaza border on October 7 had been trained abroad.
His comments appear to go further than other officials to link Iran to the bloodshed in Israel amid worldwide fears that conflict could engulf the Middle East.
Major players including China and the US have moved warships to the region while Iranian proxies including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen have fired missiles in the region. The former has been involved in direct clashes with the IDF.
Iran has long provided Hamas with equipment as well as political and financial support but direct involvement in the planning and execution of the attack would likely enflame tensions further.
Major General Edelstein claimed Hamas carefully planned the brutal killing and rape of Israeli civilians.
Don’t miss… Bodycam footage shows moment ruthless Hamas terrorists ‘open fire on Israelis'[VIDEO]
Rishi Sunak says he ‘stands with Israel’
- Advert-free experience without interruptions.
- Rocket-fast speedy loading pages.
- Exclusive & Unlimited access to all our content.
He said: “Orders were there on how many to kill, how to kill, how many to take as hostages. Orders were there to rape. It wasn’t something that just happened…all was written and ordered.”
If Iran was involved in those orders, it could push Israel to the brink with what is seen as a sworn enemy.
In addition, Iran has hinted at pre-emptive strikes on Israel ahead of an anticipated ground operation in Gaza by Tel Aviv.
It’s unclear how the US – Israel’s closest ally – would respond in the event of a regional war but Washington has parked two carrier groups in the eastern Mediterranean.
These battle groups – which have been seen as a warning to Israel’s many enemies in the region – would be capable of striking targets across the Middle East.
Get all the latest news, entertainment, sport and lifestyle updates from our dedicated American team.
Follow Daily Express US on Facebook and Twitter @ExpressUSNews
Source: Read Full Article