Netanyahu halts targeted killings in Gaza, security officials warn of missed operational opportunities
The Israeli security establishment is in turmoil after Netanyahu halted targeted killings in Gaza, with security officials warning of missed operational opportunities. According to the IDF, about 500 militants have been killed since the ceasefire. Hamas exerted international pressure, and the Americans demanded a halt. Netanyahu declared there would be no withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed, but security officials say his words are meaningless without further steps.
The Israeli security establishment is in turmoil following the halt of targeted killings in the Gaza Strip, which began earlier this week. According to IDF data, since the ceasefire took effect, about 500 militants have been killed in a series of targeted operations, but in the last two weeks the IDF has increased the pace of strikes, and the number of casualties has risen accordingly. Hamas's leadership, based in Qatar and Turkey, exerted pressure on Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other countries, including the Peace Council, which pressed the White House to stop the strikes. In Jerusalem, instructions were given to reduce the strikes, but this also did not please the Americans, and the strikes were halted entirely. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of the cabinet meeting: "Israel rejects the 15-point document, the IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until a real disarmament of Hamas, and will continue to thwart threats against our forces and citizens." However, security officials claim his words are meaningless without several steps: preventing the entry of the national force into the Strip, preventing the entry of the technocratic committee, not withdrawing from the yellow line, and returning to striking operatives and field commanders. They confirmed that in the past week, opportunities to strike Hamas operatives from the military wing were missed due to government policy.