Israel Intensifies Targeted Killings of Hamas Operatives Behind October 7 Attacks
Less than two weeks after the October 7 massacre, Israel established a dedicated command center, named NILI (Netzach Yisrael Lo Yishaker), composed of intelligence and operational personnel tasked with eliminating all Hamas militants involved in the attack and subsequent hostage-taking. Operating closely with the IDF, this unit immediately gathered names and images of numerous operatives, initiating targeted killings alongside strikes on senior terror figures who planned and executed the massacre.
Intelligence collection has continued through various sources and operations within Gaza, including documents and lists recovered from Hamas, enabling a comprehensive profile of those involved. The pace of assassinations has increased in recent months, with a new militant killed every few days. Security officials explained that the absence of hostages in Gaza now allows for more aggressive operations, as previous caution to avoid harming captives limited strikes.
The Southern Command emphasized that the goal is to degrade Hamas’s operational capabilities by targeting those who defied directives and participated in the October 7 attack, many of whom remain active in rebuilding Hamas’s strength. Each strike is carefully planned to minimize civilian casualties, with some operations executed immediately upon receiving actionable intelligence, while others are meticulously prepared over days.
Since early June, Israel has eliminated 21 militants from the list, including 11 directly involved in kidnapping or holding Israeli hostages and others who participated in the raid and massacre. Notable targets include Hamas commanders who led the October 7 incursions and hostage-taking, such as Hossam Shaafi and Adham Ibrahim Abaan Nassman. The security establishment reiterated its commitment to "closing the circle" by neutralizing every individual involved, underscoring the moral and operational imperative behind the campaign.
The ongoing effort involves round-the-clock intelligence and operational coordination, maintaining high-intensity strikes despite fluctuations in overall conflict intensity. Officials stressed that while opportunities to strike arise from intelligence and situational factors, the list of targets remains central to all operations, reflecting a sustained and methodical approach to dismantling Hamas’s terror infrastructure.
