The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday verified that Saeed Izadi, a high-ranking commander within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in an overnight raid in the Iranian city of Qom. Izadi was in charge of the Palestinian sector of the IRGC’s Quds Force, an external operation branch of the IRGC.
“Saeed Izadi, one of the creators of the Iranian regime’s policy for annihilating Israel, was killed in a targeted IDF attack in the Qom area,” the IDF declared in a message on X. His passing was previously confirmed by Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who described it as part of Israeli activity at night in Iran.
War With Iran Enters Second Week
Izadi’s assassination coincides with Israel’s ongoing battle with Iran, now in its second week. Israel’s Foreign Minister says recent attacks have delayed Iran’s nuclear plans by ‘at least two to three years’. Israel’s military commander meanwhile warned that the nation may experience a ‘protracted campaign’ as tensions with Iran build.
Izadi’s involvement in Hamas’ October 7 Attack
Saeed Izadi was at the center of coordinating the Iranian regime’s relationship with Hamas, the Israeli military said.
Izadi, who served as commander of the Palestine Corps of the Quds Force, was one of the masterminds behind the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and sparked a fiery war in Gaza. The war has since killed more than 54,000 Palestinians.
“He was in charge of military coordination between the top commanders of the IRGC and the Iranian regime with leading figures in Hamas,” the IDF said. “In his capacity, Izadi was responsible for expanding the financial budget from Iran to Hamas for terror activities against Israel.”
Rebuilding Hamas
Izadi was reportedly engaged in managing Hamas activities in Lebanon, striving to strengthen the group’s military branch and ensure it had influence in Gaza. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz charged Izadi with ‘financing and equipping Hamas’ prior to the October 7 attacks.
Katz described the operation as a significant breakthrough, calling it a “enormous achievement for Israeli intelligence” and “justice for slain civilians and hostages.