IDF Chief of Staff Declares Hamas Defeated Amid Ongoing Operations

During a closed-door security briefing for top Israeli leadership, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that Hamas has been "defeated as an organization" and "is beaten." This assessment was presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz earlier in September during a visit to the Gaza Division. Zamir's declaration contrasts with an earlier assessment by the head of the research department of military intelligence, Brigadier General Ofir Mizrahi, who noted Hamas's ongoing attempts to rebuild and strengthen its forces, recruit new members, and restore its capabilities, emphasizing that the organization still poses a threat.

Zamir acknowledged Mizrahi's points regarding Hamas's intentions but argued that the group's current operational status, characterized by its inability to fire, the destruction of its weapons depots, the elimination of its commanders, and its lack of response to Israeli actions, signifies its defeat. He clarified that this does not mean Hamas is destroyed or disarmed, and the IDF intends to continue operations until the organization is disarmed.

The IDF's assessment of Hamas's weakened state is based on several factors, including the IDF's control over more than 64% of Gaza, significantly limiting Hamas's ability to smuggle weapons. The elimination of a large number of Hamas commanders and operatives, the destruction of much of its infrastructure, and its significantly worsened diplomatic and political standing also contribute to this evaluation.

Despite these setbacks, Hamas has not surrendered or renounced its ideology or its goal of destroying Israel. The organization is actively trying to recover, regain control in Gaza, and recruit new members, reportedly using tax collection from incoming humanitarian aid trucks to fund these efforts. While its combat structures are severely damaged and it faces difficulties appointing new commanders due to constant threats of elimination, Hamas still possesses some weapon caches and continues to seek opportunities to harm Israel, such as attempting to launch incendiary kites towards Israeli communities.

Hamas is also reportedly delaying disarmament efforts by exploiting the stalled U.S. peace plan and is seeking to regain legitimacy among the Palestinian population, aiming to participate in upcoming Palestinian Authority elections. However, it is receiving less support from previous international backers. The IDF's Southern Command continues to exert pressure, having eliminated over 700 terrorists since October, but armed militants still pose a threat, and Hamas remains un-disarmed.