Rehavam Ze'evi was assassinated in Jerusalem, marking a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the Minister of Tourism, he was known for his right-wing views and support for settlements in the West Bank. On the day of the assassination, Ze'evi was shot multiple times as he left his hotel, a chilling act carried out by Hamdi Quran, a member of the PFLP. The incident occurred against the backdrop of the Second Intifada, a period of intensified violence between Israelis and Palestinians which began in 2000. The Israeli government attributed the assassination to the ongoing organized efforts by Palestinian factions, particularly as tensions had escalated in the months preceding the attack.

In the wake of Ze'evi's death, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon authorized targeted operations against Palestinian militants, further exacerbating the cycle of violence in the region. Ze'evi's assassination was not just an attack on an individual but was also a declaration of intent by the PFLP to challenge the Israeli state through acts of political violence. The ramifications of this event rippled throughout the area, deepening divisions and leading to increased military actions.

Rehavam Ze'evi's assassination significantly impacted political discourse within Israel and contributed to a harsh crackdown on Palestinian groups perceived as threats. The killing was widely condemned, leading to widespread tensions and further violence in subsequent weeks.