Israel's restraint in Gaza may give Hamas the opening it needs to take its power back - analysis
Shortly after criticism emerged from within the defense establishment over the pragmatism the government showed toward Trump's peace plan, a decision was made to completely halt targeted killings.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have made substantial progress in Gaza, holding 65-70% of the territory, according to different sources. Israeli Chief of Southern Command, Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor, has championed a policy of halting terrorism, targeting those involved in the October 7 attack and those involved in current terrorist actions against Israel and Hamas. This involves a mix of intelligence from the Shin Bet, IDF Intelligence Directorate, and aerial firepower.
However, recent shifts in policy appear to have given Hamas an opportunity to reclaim power in Gaza. The Israeli government caved to U.S. pressure and allowed a multinational force into Gaza before Hamas had disarmed and transferred power to a technocratic government. This move came after internal defense establishment criticism over the government's concessions to the U.S. peace plan, ignoring Hamas' potential for rebuilding, specifically its military wing.
Following criticism, the Israeli government halted targeted killings in Gaza without proposing alternatives. This stance has been criticized from both the Israeli government and the policies of U.S. envoy Nikolay Mladenov and the technocratic government, which are prioritizing the rehabilitation of Gaza, particularly the southern region, without a robust framework to prevent Hamas' return to dominance.
The U.S. plan for developing Rafah, including the rapid construction of new cities, is also drawing criticism. Experts question the quality and speed of these projects, arguing they do not align with creating a functioning municipal system for the 50,000 Palestinians in the area, not involved in terrorism. Moreover, a Nukhba operative linked to the October 7 attack was arrested near Kerem Shalom Crossing after receiving authorization to transport humanitarian aid.
The combination of these developments leaves open the possibility that Israel's approach towards Gaza may be dangerously destabilizing.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
