Kushner as a lifeline: security establishment warns of "Hamas tactical move"
Against the backdrop of talks between the US delegation and officials in Gaza and Israel, and seemingly pragmatic messages from Hamas, the security establishment warns: the terrorist organization has not abandoned its goals and views the political process as a lifeline.
The security establishment estimates that Hamas is interested in reaching a political settlement to escape its current situation in Gaza. The assessment is that Hamas has not abandoned its goals, primarily the destruction of Israel, but rather sees the political process led by the USA as a lifeline for the near future.
"Hamas is currently backed into a corner," says a security source. "Three significant factors are currently influencing Hamas: the IDF's control of the Yellow Line, Israel's policy of targeted killings, and pressure from residents who have lost their homes and property."
According to security sources, Hamas operatives, especially senior ones, operate with a sense of being hunted. The fact that the IDF holds half the territory and occupies dominant points on the Yellow Line is a major source of pressure.
"Gazan residents are also pressuring the organization. It is not simple for them to sit in tents in the summer heat or winter rains. They have seen entire areas flattened. Hamas understands it is in trouble right now," the source adds.
These assessments come alongside talks currently being conducted by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, envoys of US President Donald Trump, with officials in the Strip, the Peace Council, and Israel.
Security officials state: "Israel must remain alert, with eyes open and a finger on the trigger. Hamas has not abandoned its intentions. It is unclear what concessions they will make or what weapons they will surrender. We understand this is, at most, a tactical move by Hamas."
In the Southern Command, the wide deployment of forces continues. Currently, five brigades are in the Gaza area, and there are no plans to reduce them. IDF open-fire regulations remain unchanged: a soldier who identifies an immediate threat is obligated to open fire to neutralize it. Targeted killings require the approval of the senior command and the political echelon.
These warnings come against the backdrop of messages from Hamas attempting to project pragmatism. Yesterday, Hamas announced that during meetings in Cairo, it emphasized its agreement to the roadmap for the second phase of the US President's plan, presented by Nickolay Mladenov on behalf of the "Peace Council." The organization claims this stems from a desire for a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, and urgent humanitarian aid.
In recent days, several targeted killings were carried out with political approval against terrorists defined as "ticking bombs." A military source clarified: "We are not conducting operations to reduce Hamas's capabilities or target command echelons, nor are we carrying out 'Nili' revenge operations. We are only striking terrorists who are actively planning or carrying out immediate threats against IDF forces."
