Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened Tuesday to pursue Hamas leaders living outside the country, stating they remain military targets.
"The leaders of Hamas abroad are also in our sights. None of these despicable murderers, who played a central role in the October 7 massacre, should die peacefully in their beds," Katz said in a video statement released by his office.
The statement came as Israeli forces continued operations in Gaza. Katz's remarks referenced the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israeli territory, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages taken. Israel declared war on Hamas in Gaza hours after that attack, stating its objective was to "eradicate" the organization.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties. According to available figures, the Israeli military's operations in Gaza have caused at least 74,022 deaths, the majority civilians, and 175,980 wounded. A ceasefire entered into force on October 10, 2025, but Israeli forces have continued firing on Palestinian civilians since then, with casualty numbers continuing to rise. More than 1,420 Palestinians have been killed and 4,983 wounded in Gaza since the ceasefire began.
Katz's threat to pursue Hamas leaders abroad follows the elimination of a Hamas commander in northern Gaza. The defense minister indicated that the military establishment would continue targeting senior leaders of the organization.