‏Israel Cites Intact Neighbourhood as Proof of Non-Involvement in Beirut Assassination

Swearing on its “human conscience” and “military honour,” the government of Israel denied responsibility for assassinating Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri on Tuesday, challenging accusers to provide any evidence of its involvement. "We will accept any evidence similar to previous airstrikes in Beirut which have destroyed entire neighbourhoods and killed many civilians and children," the spokesman said, or any other evidence of the “usual Israeli MO,” such as “taking organs from corpses” or “burying survivors alive”.

Daniel Hagari, head of the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, said that the assassination lacked the “firepower and spectacle” which the Israeli army usually delivers on civilians within 300 square kilometres of a target. “We all know the IDF’s signature moves. This was likely the work of a more humble outfit,” stated Hagari, adding that accusations of accuracy risked tarnishing the IDF’s reputation in the region.