The leadership of the Hamas terror group is reportedly expressing growing concern over the prospect of an Israeli surprise attack, including targeted assassinations of senior figures, and a full-scale resumption of the war. These fears escalated following the elimination of the Zaytun Battalion Commander, Imad a-Salim, and the Hezbollah Chief of Staff, Haitham Ali Tabtabaei, during the ceasefire period.
In light of this tension, Israel’s security establishment anticipates that the moment Hamas senses Israel is losing patience and is close to renewing the war, the terror group will instruct its operatives to transfer the remaining fallen hostages. This move would be intended to apply pressure on Israel to transition to "Stage B" of the agreement.
Hamas leaders are currently working through informal channels to secure commitments that the demilitarization of the Gaza area and the transfer of its government will not actually happen. Despite this, the terror leadership believes the United States is likely to pressure Israel into moving to Stage B, which is expected to include: an Israeli withdrawal from the territory it controls, the establishment of a new tent city in Rafah, the reconstruction of the entire area, and the full opening of the Rafah crossing for pedestrian entry from Egypt, followed later by the entry of goods. (Read More)
