Iran applauds Houthis for Israel attack, yet keeps distance to avoid blame
During the course of the Israeli war on Gaza, Iran has walked a fine line of praising attacks by its proxies while carefully attempting to dodge a direct confrontation with Israel.
TEHRAN — A drone attack claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels that hit Tel Aviv, the Israeli capital, on Friday drew loud applause from Iranian officials and has grabbed extensive positive coverage by the country's state media.
Israel said the attack left one civilian dead and ten others injured after it targeted a central district that is home to several diplomatic missions, including one run by the American Embassy.
"This operation was yet another warning for an end to the beastly aggressions on the people of Gaza by the savage Zionists," said Mohammad Hassan Abu-Torabifard, the Friday prayer leader of the capital Tehran, as he addressed loyalists who responded to his remarks with "death to Israel" chants.
The hard-line cleric and all other Iranian Friday prayer leaders are directly appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the talking points in their sermons are coordinated with Khamenei's office to ensure that his official views are publicly echoed.
Subscribe for unlimited access
All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more
Continue reading this article for free
Access 1 free article per month when you sign up. Learn more.
By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in
