Hamas regains control in Gaza while IDF awaits orders – assessment

The IDF fears that the policy of restraint due to international pressure repeats the mistakes before October 7. The suspension of strikes on Hamas allows militants to rebuild positions and arsenals. Last week, a drone carrying 21 rifles from Egypt was intercepted. Militants are again openly present on the streets. The military awaits orders, the initiative is with the enemy.

The IDF expresses concern that the current policy of restraint, driven by international pressure, repeats the mistakes that preceded the tragedy of October 7. The decision by Israel's political leadership to suspend targeted killings and strikes on Hamas military infrastructure in the Gaza Strip is leading to an operational change on the ground. IDF representatives voice serious concern that forced restraint allows militants to rebuild positions and expand arsenals. Any offensive operations, targeted killings, or strikes on weapons depots and production facilities now require direct coordination with the political echelon or the Chief of Staff personally. Hamas is actively exploiting the pause: last week, fighters of the 'Paran' brigade intercepted a drone, thwarting an attempt to smuggle 21 rifles and ammunition from Egypt. Militants are again openly present on the streets of the sector, strengthening the organization's administrative and military control over the local population. In military circles, there is concern that the current regime resembles the concept of restraint that preceded the events of October 7. The abstention from strikes is linked to foreign policy pressure from the US and international partners. The resulting pause creates a contradictory situation: army units deployed along the 'Yellow Line' are on high alert and await the go-ahead to resume operations, but the policy of 'tied hands' leaves the initiative in the hands of the enemy. If the political echelon continues to hold back preventive strikes, Hamas could use this time not only to rebuild its internal structure but also to prepare demonstrative attacks on border outposts and adjacent territories.