Israel Prioritizes Iran and Hezbollah Amid Gaza Tensions and Hamas Weakness

Israeli political leadership has recently instructed senior IDF officials to prioritize Iran and Hezbollah in national and military efforts, signaling a strategic focus shift. This directive comes as Israel approaches the 1,000-day mark since the October 7 massacre and the subsequent war. Meanwhile, Israeli military intelligence reports a growing crisis within Hamas in Gaza, where senior members are resigning due to the group's inability to pay salaries. Prolonged disruptions in Hamas's funding have caused significant frustration among its operatives, leading to leadership departures.

The IDF's Southern Command has finalized operational plans to potentially renew fighting in Gaza in the coming months. A presentation revealed by Channel 13 detailed Hamas's ongoing military preparations, including training for elite units, recruitment of young fighters aged 18 to 22 dubbed the "next generation," and increased production of explosives and rockets. Hamas is also accelerating smuggling efforts of drones and other equipment through border crossings. The documents indicate Hamas has distributed operational plans for renewed conflict, with Israeli forces observing advanced readiness on the ground.

Despite these developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not convened recent discussions on Gaza, influenced by U.S. messages discouraging a broad new military operation. Additionally, Israeli security officials have abandoned the term "voluntary migration" for a plan to relocate Gaza residents, replacing it with "free movement plan" to avoid international criticism equating it with forced transfer. This terminological change is expected to improve international acceptance and revive the initiative, according to sources familiar with diplomatic contacts.

In the meantime, IDF troops continue operations along the "yellow line," the buffer zone between Gaza and Israeli communities. The evolving situation reflects both Hamas's persistent military buildup and Israel's cautious yet prepared stance toward potential escalation.