New Gaza restrictions: IDF chief gave required approval for strike on Hamas commander
Beit Lahia strike targeted a Hamas terrorist accused of planning attacks on Israeli troops; military sources say such actions were once routine but targeted killings were temporarily halted under political directives tied to ongoing negotiations
On Wednesday, an Israeli strike in Beit Lahia resulted in the death of a Hamas terrorist. This operation was authorized by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, marking the first Gaza strike requiring such high-level approval. The target was the commander of a Hamas cell planning attacks against IDF forces in the Gaza Strip, according to military sources.
The strike was conducted to eliminate an immediate threat to Israeli troops, a measure previously routine but temporarily halted due to US pressure and ongoing negotiations.
Since the ceasefire began, the IDF has killed 514 terrorists and wounded around 150 others. They have also struck 790 targets during this period. Additionally, the Yellow Line has expanded since then. Military officials emphasized that there is no inherent policy of the IDF to avoid strikes, but rather, clear directives from the political echelon are part of the negotiations.
They rejected claims by Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman about an alleged exercise by 50 members of Hamas’ Nukhba force intending to seize an Israeli community. Military sources stated they did not observe such an exercise and raised readiness, moved capabilities forward, and ruled out the incident, which did not occur.
However, they confirmed that targeted killings had been temporarily suspended at the request of the political leadership. The IDF instructed forces to eliminate immediate threats without requiring approval from a senior military level.
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