Political echelon halts strikes - and Hamas rearms: 'Their color has returned'

The political echelon has halted targeted killings of Hamas in Gaza, and the IDF reports that the organization is rearming at a rapid pace and has regained its 'color'. Officers fear a return to the days of restraint that preceded the October 7 massacre and warn of growing rearmament attempts. Forces are ready to resume strikes but await instructions, while the political echelon refrains from approving them due to American pressure and pressure from Peace Council members.

Following the political echelon's decision to halt targeted killings of Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip, the terrorist organization is rearming at a rapid pace. The IDF reports that 'in recent days, Hamas has regained its color', and the organization's militants have returned to moving about Gaza's streets without fear, thereby strengthening their control over the area. Officers fear that the political echelon's policy is returning the IDF and the security establishment to the days of restraint and turning a blind eye, as was the case before the October 7 massacre. IDF sources say the new situation requires forces to be more vigilant in defense, understanding that Hamas may challenge forces with attacks on outposts, carry out attacks on forces along the yellow line, and even attempt a showpiece attack near the fence or in a community near the Gaza border. The divisions deployed in Gaza are ready to immediately resume the policy of targeted killings and strikes, but are awaiting instructions from the political echelon, which has refrained from approving strikes due to American pressure and pressure from Peace Council members.