Sources within the IDF anticipate that the Israeli government will authorize military action in Gaza if a last-minute resolution in the hostage negotiations does not materialize. Military insiders report that during the ceasefire, the IDF Intelligence Directorate, Shin Bet, and Southern Command have been working to expand the list of potential Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip. “This target bank will enable the government to escalate operations in stages to apply pressure on Hamas leadership if negotiations for a hostage release stall,” the sources shared.
One potential strategy being discussed is the reoccupation of regions in northern Gaza as a means of additional leverage. However, defense officials emphasize that the ceasefire and ongoing negotiations must be fully exhausted before any military escalation takes place. At this point, airstrikes targeting Gaza have intensified, and there has been increased fire directed at Palestinians sent to engage IDF soldiers in buffer zones. Military sources noted that Hamas leaders in Gaza continue to hide, “and therefore believe it is immune, prolonging the situation.” As a result, the government has implemented more restrictive measures, including halting humanitarian aid, ceasing fuel transfers, and barring the entry of caravans.
The sources further explained that growing frustration among Palestinians is beginning to weigh on Hamas leadership. Many who returned to northern Gaza were confronted with widespread devastation and, finding there was no place to live or signs of reconstruction, opted to seek refuge in humanitarian shelters in the south.
Hamas is also believed to be preparing for the potential collapse of the ceasefire, with trained units ready to launch attacks against IDF forces in buffer zones and possibly attempt border infiltrations. In anticipation, Israel has bolstered its border security and reorganized its operational deployments.
{Matzav.com}
This whole ceasefire has been a disaster for Israel, as no doubt, hamas has used the time to rebuild and construct new underground tunnels, re-arm, etc. It is due to the stupidty of a secular state that SHOULD NEVER have allowed so many hostages to serve as ransome for so long. It is the false morality and stupidity of a secular state that does not understand the concept of “lo sechiya kol nefesh” when dealing with Amalek. It is the cowardice and lack of understanding of a secular state that did not do what ALL armies have done throughout the ages–initiate a COMPLETE siege on GAZA FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. Woe unto Israel that these misguided descendants of the eiruv rav are our leaders in Israel. May HaShem bring moshiach speedily in our day.