BoP proposed deal would leave Israel vulnerable to Hamas re-armament, expert says

An assessment by Dr. Igal Shiri, published by the Meir Amit Terrorism and Intelligence Research Institute, suggests that the Board of Peace's proposed deal to disarm Hamas would leave Israel vulnerable to re-armament by the militant group. The 15-point plan, which was rejected by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, failed to require Hamas to relinquish its weapons and only saw them stored and decommissioned under the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

Dr. Shiri warned that a political crisis, collapse of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, or similar armed takeover of storage facilities could result in Hamas re-arming. He also expressed uncertainty about whether an inventory of Hamas's weapons production facilities, tunnels, and other infrastructure would be handed over and dismantled under the supervision of non-aligned parties.

The agreement allowed Hamas members to retain "personal weapons" registered and licensed with the NCAG, potentially preventing complete disarmament and integration of former Hamas police members into the new security forces. Netanyahu stated he would not agree to a deal that only promises "fictitious disarmament," implying all weapons, heavy and light.

Dr. Shiri also pointed out that Hamas's declaration of working towards liberating all land from the occupation undermined the agreement's spirit and indicated intention to reorganize and raise resources. The fate of current Hamas commanders and terrorist operatives was vague, with the agreement offering them alternative civilian roles if vetted.

Dr. Shiri cautioned that the restrictions on the IDF's use of force threatened its ability to respond to immediate and emerging threats, as it fails to address Israel's right to self-defense.