Israeli Government Halts Targeted Killings in Gaza Amid Regional Pressure, Raising Security Concerns
The Israeli military has achieved significant successes in Gaza, particularly over the past year, developing an effective system for identifying, mapping, and destroying terrorist infrastructure both above and below ground. As a result, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) currently control between 65% and 70% of Gaza's territory, depending on the source. Southern Command Chief Major General Yaniv Asor, soon to compete for the deputy Chief of Staff position, had promoted a clear policy of counterterrorism through precise airstrikes targeting those involved in the October 7 attacks, especially militants who crossed into Israeli territory, as well as those currently rebuilding Hamas's military capabilities. This approach relied on high-quality intelligence from the Shin Bet, Military Intelligence Directorate, and advanced airstrike capabilities.
However, in recent weeks, under pressure from Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and regional actors including Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates influencing the United States, Israel has shifted its stance. The government agreed to allow approximately 200 multinational force members into Gaza before Hamas disarmed and transferred authority to the Palestinian unity government. Shortly after criticism emerged within Israel's security establishment regarding the government's pragmatism toward the Trump peace plan and its disregard for Hamas's reconstruction and rearming, a decision was made to completely halt targeted killings in Gaza without proposing alternative measures.
Criticism has been directed at the Israeli government for refusing to involve the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, and at the policies of Donald Trump, UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov, and the unity government, which aim to rehabilitate southern Gaza without establishing a robust framework to prevent Hamas from regaining control, including in areas meant to be "terror-free" such as Rafah. This policy shift effectively allows hostile actors like Qatar and Turkey to expand their influence in Gaza and over Israel.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the American-led construction of a new city in Rafah intended to house 50,000 Palestinians uninvolved in terrorism. Experts question the quality and speed of construction, doubting the feasibility of creating a municipal system capable of managing the population effectively. Furthermore, a Hamas operative directly involved in the October 7 attacks was recently arrested near the Kerem Shalom crossing by the Shin Bet and IDF after obtaining permission to work as a humanitarian aid driver.
Overall, analysis of recent developments suggests that the Israeli government's Gaza policy is becoming increasingly risky and may lead to further negative consequences.
