Hamas Prepares for New War, Israeli Intelligence Reveals Alarming Details

Israeli intelligence is warning that Hamas views the three years of war as a victory and is actively preparing for a new confrontation with the IDF. The Palestinian group considers its sustained resistance against Israel a success and has not abandoned its military ambitions, according to The Jerusalem Post, citing security sources. Israeli intelligence estimates that Hamas leadership believes Israel's current control over approximately 70% of Gaza will not be permanent. Despite significant losses, the group perceives its ability to withstand a prolonged conflict with the Israeli army as proof of its capacity to resist a much stronger adversary. Hamas leaders reportedly link the US-backed Gaza development plan, involving billions in investment, to the ideological views of the group's founder, Ahmed Yassin.

"We did not surrender to the army that everyone calls the strongest in the Middle East," is how Hamas representatives allegedly explain their interpretation of the war's outcome, according to Israeli intelligence assessments. Simultaneously, the organization is preparing for a potential IDF advance toward Gaza City. Sources indicate that militants are replenishing their ranks, distributing weapons, constructing defensive tunnels, and manufacturing explosives and short-range rockets. They are also reportedly developing unexpected tactical solutions to counter Israeli forces.

These preparations occur amid reported disagreements between Hamas's local leadership and Khalil al-Hayya, who is based in Qatar. In response, Israeli security forces are intensifying pressure on the organization. The IDF's Southern Command, military intelligence, the air force, and Shin Bet have escalated operations against those involved in the October 7, 2023 attacks and suspected of planning new ones, aiming to prevent Hamas from rebuilding its military capabilities. Sources claim Hamas leadership is unwilling to disarm or transfer control of Gaza to another party.

Consequently, the IDF is considering a large-scale ground operation, potentially involving civilian displacement, aimed at destroying terrorist infrastructure and defeating Hamas's military wing, which Israeli officials assess as still significantly capable. A final decision on further actions is reportedly pending Israel's parliamentary elections. The publication also highlights the ideological legacy of Ahmed Yassin, who was killed by Israel in 2004. Yassin believed Israel's existence was temporary and predicted its demise by 2027, linking this to a religious interpretation of historical cycles. These views reflect the founder's ideology, while current Israeli intelligence suggests Hamas continues to plan for sustained influence and renewed large-scale hostilities.