IDF Denies Avigdor Lieberman's Claim of Hamas Nukhba Training Raid in Gaza

The IDF spokesperson responded on Wednesday evening to sharp allegations made by Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Israel Beytenu party, regarding a reported training exercise by Hamas's elite Nukhba force in the Gaza Strip. Lieberman claimed that about 50 Nukhba operatives practiced raiding and capturing an Israeli settlement, and that the political echelon prevented the IDF from thwarting the attack. He further alleged that commanders on the ground requested immediate action but were ordered not to engage, describing this as a "surrender to terror" and a return to pre-October 7 containment policies.

The IDF confirmed that intelligence was received on Tuesday night about a militant training exercise in Gaza, which led to enhanced intelligence and counterterrorism readiness. However, the military clarified that no Nukhba members or militant gatherings were identified through intelligence collection methods at any point. The IDF also denied any changes in rules of engagement, force deployment along the Gaza border (the "yellow line"), or operational control, emphasizing that soldiers remain authorized to neutralize immediate threats.

The response came amid recent reports alleging restrictions on IDF activity near the Gaza border. The Likud party issued a strong rebuttal to Lieberman, accusing him of knowingly spreading falsehoods that harm Israel's security and demonstrating ignorance of military operations. Likud affirmed that the political leadership explicitly instructed the IDF to counter any threats and denied any withdrawal or redeployment of forces along the border.

This dispute highlights ongoing tensions within Israeli political and military circles over security policy and operational freedom in the Gaza arena following recent escalations. The IDF continues its operational efforts to clear the area and destroy terrorist infrastructure in Gaza.