Americans spoke with a senior Hamas official - and Netanyahu received a new card | Avi Ashkenazi
The American negotiating team sought to advance a Gaza agreement, but in practice provided Benjamin Netanyahu with new room for maneuver. The security establishment notes the pressure on Hamas and is preparing for the next stage of operations.
The American negotiating team, led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, envoys of US President Donald Trump, made a rookie mistake over the last two days. They provided Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with exactly what Israel needed: an escape route from the ceasefire, demilitarization, and reconstruction agreement for the Gaza Strip. The fact that Kushner and Witkoff held direct contacts with the target number 1 of the IDF, the Mossad, and the Shin Bet—the arch-terrorist Khalil al-Hayya, the head of Hamas who was elected recently with the encouragement of Iran—is significant.
According to reports from the conversation between the Prime Minister and the peace delegation, Netanyahu clarified that before the elections, Israel has no real ability to withdraw from Gaza or advance at the pace of an agreement. Especially since Hamas has not yet carried out any demilitarization as it committed to.
Within the security establishment, the IDF Intelligence Directorate, and the Shin Bet, it is clear that Hamas is under pressure. Talk of disarmament and concessions are merely tactical moves. Hamas still holds the ideology of destroying Israel. Khalil al-Hayya will try to achieve during his term what the Sinwar brothers failed to do. Every day that this man breathes is a failure of Roman Gofman and his people.
The security establishment notes that Hamas is under pressure for three reasons: IDF control of the 'yellow line,' Israel's policy of targeted killings, and pressure from Gazan residents who have lost their homes and property.
Hamas is working hard to maintain governance in what remains of Gaza. Organizationally, it has recovered. Over 80 percent of its government institutions have returned to operation, including local authorities, police units, and all ministries. Hamas is bearing down on the population, and currently, there are no signs of popular rebellion. Fear of Hamas rules the Gazan street.
On the other hand, Hamas is frightened by targeted killings. This has paralyzed the movement of senior officials, as well as intermediate and junior-level activists. The scope of killings by the Shin Bet, Aman, the Southern Command, and the Air Force has caused panic within Hamas. They feel hunted.
Elimination of a Hamas terrorist who crossed the 'yellow line' in the northern Gaza Strip (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)
The IDF's holding of the 'yellow line' is a vital tactical move. Most of the line is located in the 70-90 ridge areas along the Strip, creating capabilities for control through observation and fire deep into Gaza. Hamas understands that it would be a concession for Israel to give this up.
Israel's major problem is that the political echelon today does not know how to exploit the situation to set a political agenda. Instead of leveraging Hamas's distress and presenting a serious political plan, Israel is being dragged along by dictates. This is occurring even after the Americans have chosen to dialogue first with Israel's greatest enemies.
To respect the status of the delegation members, the security establishment refrained from targeted killings over the last few days. Apparently, with the departure of the peace delegation, these operations will be increased to continue pressuring Hamas.
