Mossad Director David Barnea on Wednesday gave a loud hint to Israeli involvement in the assassination of Hamas Deputy Chief Saleh al-Arouri saying, "Any Arab mother should know that if their son was a partner to the slaughter of October 7, his blood is [in his own hands]."
Speaking at the funeral of former Mossad chief Zvi Zamir who died on Tuesday morning, he did not mention Arouri, who was killed late Tuesday night in Beirut, by name, but the timing and back-handed reference was unmistakable.
It was surprising that Barnea came out with the statement given that Israel has publicly not taken credit for the killing, presumably to try to avoid a harsh retaliation by Hezbollah.
However, half a day after Hezbollah had not retaliated, possibly Israeli officials were feeling more confident.
'We are in the heat of a war'
"Also today, we are in the heat of a war, the Mossad, like 50 years ago, is obligated to settle the score with murderers who invaded the Gaza corridor on October 7, both with the planners and with their messengers," said Barnea.
The Mossad chief added, "this will take time, as it took time after the slaughter in Munich, but our long arm will reach them in any place that they may be."