Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Friday evening that the IDF carried out a major strike in Gaza targeting Izz al Din al Haddad, the head of Hamas’s military wing and one of the alleged masterminds behind the October 7 massacre.

According to the joint statement, Haddad was responsible for the murder, kidnapping, and harming of thousands of Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers during and after the Hamas led October 7 attack. Israeli officials also accused him of overseeing hostage captivity operations, directing terrorist attacks against Israeli forces, and rejecting efforts tied to a proposed agreement led by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza.

“The IDF and the Shin Bet are effectively implementing the government’s policy of zero tolerance for threats and the preemptive neutralization of our enemies,” Netanyahu and Katz said in the statement.

The leaders added that Israel would continue pursuing all individuals connected to the October 7 attacks.

“We will continue to act with power and determination against anyone who took part in the October 7 massacre. This is a clear message to all the murderers who seek our lives: sooner or later, Israel will reach you,” the statement continued.

A senior Israeli defense official reportedly said that initial indications suggest the elimination attempt was successful.