Hamas sees demilitarization talks as strategy to 'trap Israel,' Zini warns security cabinet

Shin Bet Director David Zini cautioned Israel's security cabinet that Hamas views the signed demilitarization agreement with the Board of Peace as a tool to limit Israel's military freedom, not to achieve genuine disarmament. Speaking at a meeting, Zini claimed Hamas seeks to use this agreement to "trap Israel" and prevent targeted military operations.

The Hamas strategy, according to Zini, involves stalling the process while monitoring upcoming months and political shifts in Israel. The cabinet ministers expressed concern during discussions about the proposed roadmap for Gaza's demilitarization and post-war arrangements. Cabinet ministers reportedly advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against actions that could be seen as endorsing the 14-day "preparatory period" for demilitarization, which would involve Israel refraining from targeting Hamas terrorists.

Israel has neither signed nor formally accepted the demilitarization roadmap with Hamas, according to Israeli officials. Additionally, a document concerning the deployment of a multinational force into Gaza remains unsigned due to numerous Israeli objections. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrick and Settlements and National Missions Minister Orit Strock criticized the proposed demilitarization framework, with Strock arguing it falls short of genuine disarmament.

Strock emphasized that weapons remaining in Gaza do not constitute demilitarization and that the Board of Peace's mission should ensure no weapons exist in Gaza. She also warned against transferring Hamas's weapons and security responsibilities to a future Palestinian police force, expressing concern over the legal framework that incentivized murder of Jews during the West Bank police's establishment.