Shin Bet Chief Warns Israeli Cabinet of Hamas Deception in Gaza Peace Roadmap

Shin Bet Chief David Zini warned Israeli cabinet members on Thursday about the peace roadmap proposed by the Gaza Peace Council, according to a report by Amir Ettinger on ynet. Zini cautioned that Hamas views the roadmap as a political victory and a means to delay Israeli military action against it until after upcoming elections. He described Hamas's apparent agreement to disarm under the plan as a "process of deception" intended to buy time rather than genuinely dismantle its capabilities.

Zini explained that Hamas believes Israel will refrain from attacking during this period, expecting any decisive action to be postponed until after the elections. He expressed concern that Hamas is exploiting diplomatic efforts and the roadmap to prevent Israeli strikes and maintain its strength. Following his warnings, several cabinet ministers urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to accept the current form of the roadmap, calling instead to resume targeted killings in Gaza and reject a proposed 14-day ceasefire.

The ceasefire demand was pushed by the United States and the Gaza Peace Council as part of advancing the roadmap. Opposing ministers argued that halting operations now would give Hamas the exact delay it seeks. The cabinet discussion focused on how Israel should respond to Hamas's acceptance of the roadmap and disarmament, given the Shin Bet chief's assessment of Hamas's intentions. Netanyahu's decision on the ministers' demands was not announced at the time of the report.