Kushner as a lifeline - the security establishment warns: 'A tactical move by Hamas'

The Israeli security establishment assesses that Hamas seeks a political settlement as a temporary lifeline, but has not abandoned its goals, chief among them the destruction of Israel. Hamas operatives feel persecuted due to targeted killings and Israeli control over half of the Strip. Pressure from Gaza residents, sitting in tents in heat and rain, also has an effect. The IDF continues its wide deployment with five brigades in Gaza.

The Israeli security establishment assesses that Hamas wants to reach a political settlement, in an attempt to extricate itself for now from the situation it has found itself in in Gaza. The assessment is that Hamas has not abandoned its goals, chief among them the destruction of Israel, but sees the political move led by the US as a lifeline for the near future. According to sources in the security establishment, Hamas operatives and its leaders conduct themselves with a sense of persecution, fearing targeted killings and harm. The fact that the IDF holds half of the territory and is at commanding points on the yellow line is another factor pressuring Hamas. In addition, Gaza residents pressuring the organization also have an effect; it is not easy for Gazans to sit in tents in the heavy summer heat or under winter rains, and they have seen how entire areas were leveled. In the Southern Command, they continue with a wide deployment of forces, with five brigades in the Gaza area, and there is no intention to thin out the forces. Rules of engagement remain as they were, but the issue of targeted killings requires senior command and political echelon approval.