In a public video statement released on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed recent strikes against Iranian-backed groups.

Netanyahu specifically acknowledged Israel’s targeting of Iran-backed Houthis and the killing of a key Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, in southern Beirut, Lebanon on Tuesday.

The prime minister made no mention of the deadly strike on Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, for which Israel has not claimed responsibility.

While no one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on Haniyeh in Tehran, after pledging to kill Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders following the terrorist group’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

said it is “Iran’s duty to avenge Haniyeh’s blood because he was martyred on our soil.”

Iran’s embassy in the United Kingdom requested an emergency meeting of the following Haniyeh’s assassination.

The death of Haniyeh has heightened concerns about a potential wider regional war amidst efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin could not confirm Israel’s involvement in the strike or if military intelligence had prior warning of the event.

“I don’t have anything for you on that. And we certainly have heard the reporting, but I don’t have any additional information,” Austin told reporters in Subic Bay, Philippines. He added that the U.S. government would seek to ease tensions but would defend Israel if it is attacked.

In his address, Netanyahu stated that Israel remains prepared for any scenario, while leaving the possibility of reaching a cease-fire deal open despite recent events.

‘ Yonat Friling and Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.