Israel Controls 70% of Gaza, Outmaneuvering Hamas
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel now controls 70% of the Gaza Strip, a significant increase from previous assessments and a stark contrast to claims of Hamas's resurgence. This control is evidenced by a recent Israeli special forces operation that abducted Moin al-Arabid, identified as Hamas's "head of the security services," from central Gaza. Local Arab forces reportedly aided the IDF in this operation, indicating a shift in local dynamics.
While Hamas still holds sway in the remaining 30% of Gaza and controls the population there, its grip is weakening, according to the report. The article suggests that Israel's current lower-intensity operations in Gaza are due to important coordination with the United States. Political opponents have criticized the government for not achieving a "complete victory" in Gaza as promised, a phrase that has become a point of ridicule, yet they now demand the same outcome.
Netanyahu's government maintains that Israel's control over Gaza is unprecedented, possibly only rivaled by the period between 1967 and the Oslo Accords. The article dismisses reports of Hamas rearming as exaggerated, emphasizing that any significant Israeli action would be swift and powerful. The current situation, it argues, is not a sign of Israeli inaction but a strategic phase.
The recent hostage deal, which led to the return of all hostages, did not obligate the IDF to withdraw from Gaza, unlike previous potential deals that were rejected. The article posits that the deal received implicit U.S. backing for continued operations against Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza.
The report also touches on Israeli domestic politics, noting the return of discussions about judicial reform amid the upcoming elections. The ongoing trial of Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to intensify, with defense witnesses set to testify. The article suggests that the legal proceedings could benefit Netanyahu politically, galvanizing his supporters who feel he has been unfairly targeted by the justice system.
Furthermore, the political landscape is described as volatile, with last-minute coalition formations and party realignments anticipated before the candidate list deadline. The article predicts the potential collapse of parties like Yesh Atid, while others, such as Naftali Bennett's new list, are still solidifying their positions. The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing efforts to unite right-wing factions, including potential mergers and the role of figures like Ofer Winter.
