"It's a bargaining chip for him": The IDF is already preparing for the next scenario in the Gaza Strip | Avi Ashkenazi
A senior military official warns that Hamas may try to kidnap soldiers as a bargaining chip, reveals 700 eliminations since the ceasefire in October 2025, and assesses that Israel will be required for another round of fighting in Gaza. The IDF is operating on two fronts: strengthening defense and thwarting Hamas's rearmament.
A senior military official in the Southern Command warns that Hamas may try to kidnap Israeli soldiers, because it is "a bargaining chip for him." According to him, the IDF is preparing for this scenario by strengthening defenses, thickening the yellow line, and practicing alert drills. Since the ceasefire in October 2025, the IDF has carried out over 700 eliminations, including squad commanders, brigade commanders, and branch commanders, in order to prevent Hamas from rearming and harming forces. The official assesses that Hamas refrains from responding to IDF activity because it understands that a response would give the IDF legitimacy to act more forcefully. However, he predicts that Israel will be required for another round of fighting in Gaza, which will end either in a political settlement where Hamas surrenders its weapons or in forced demilitarization. The official also refers to the lessons of October 7, 2023, including maintaining reserves and lethal alertness in all war arenas and strengthening the operational edge.