Most Gaza Infiltrators Eliminated, Shin Bet Warns of New Hamas Threats
Three years after October 7, security officials briefed the cabinet that most border-crossing terrorists have been eliminated, while Hamas plans future attacks.
Three years after the October 7 massacre, and as targeted killings continue, Head of Aman Major General Shlomi Binder revealed at a security cabinet meeting that the majority of Gazans who breached the border have been eliminated. Out of 6,000 border crossers, 4,000 have been eliminated, Binder stated, adding that the remaining 2,000 will be pursued to the last man. The remarks were made in response to a query by Heritage Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf regarding the number of surviving infiltrators.
Hamas Intelligence and Future Threats
During the briefing, ministers learned that Israeli intelligence agencies have recently detected heightened preparations by Hamas to resume fighting in the Gaza Strip. Shin Bet Director David Zini updated the ministers that Hamas is planning an attack or a localized kidnapping event around or after the elections. According to assessments, Hamas is exploiting the period to stockpile forces and weaponry, transferring arms to civilian areas under the assumption that Israeli and US hands are tied ahead of elections and that no green light will be given for a broad offensive.
Hamas is working to rebuild its capabilities while avoiding broad confrontations, aiming to transition into a model resembling Hezbollah in Lebanon by delegating administrative duties while retaining militant influence.
Strategic Shifts and the Hezbollah Front
Senior Israeli officials compared Hamas's current state to its pre-war posture across three strategic dimensions: its severance from Egypt, the loss of territory, and its diminished rocket capabilities. The organization is physically cut off from Egypt, smuggling has severely dropped, and the Rafah crossing is under absolute control. Furthermore, over 60% of Gaza is controlled by Israel, severely degrading Hamas's operational depth.
Regarding Hezbollah, senior officials assess that its strength is no longer comparable to its pre-war status. The organization has lost approximately 80% of its rocket potential, and its command structure has suffered severe blows. Out of roughly 20 senior commanders forming the core military leadership, only the active military commander remains following successive targeted eliminations.
