Shin Bet Warns of Hamas Attack, Hospitals Becoming Terror Hubs

The head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, warned cabinet ministers on Sunday that Hamas is considering a "major attack or a specific abduction incident" around the upcoming elections. Zini also cautioned that Gaza's hospitals could once again become "hubs for terror activity." These remarks were made during a security briefing amid heightened tensions across all fronts.

According to Zini, Hamas maintains operational readiness for offensive actions and is attempting to strengthen ties with other entities within its network, including potential cooperation with the Houthis, with whom they have reportedly met in Turkey. Security officials also noted daily thwarted attempts by Hamas to abduct soldiers from outposts and ongoing smuggling operations.

Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, addressed the threats near military posts, assuring ministers that measures are being taken to prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, Zini reiterated his concern about hospitals in Gaza potentially reverting to being centers for terrorist operations. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded by stating that a "clear kinetic response" is necessary if hospitals are used as terror hubs, while Minister Avi Dichter suggested a shift from "small-scale thwarting operations to actions against Hamas."

During the briefing, it was also reported that 95% of the tunnels between the Gaza border and the "yellow line" (presumably the border fence) have been cleared, though ministers noted this figure only accounts for discovered tunnels. Intelligence officials also discussed a recent assassination attempt on a senior Hamas official, Ali Al-Aamoudi, stating that if the attempt failed, they would try again.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded the discussion by reaffirming the war's objective: the elimination of Hamas. "We are crushing them and will continue to crush them, but our goal is to eliminate them," he stated, emphasizing the commitment to this mission.