Israeli Intelligence Warns Hamas Is Deceptively Maintaining Arms Despite US Peace Efforts

Israeli security officials revealed on Tuesday that intelligence shared with senior American representatives and the Peace Council, which promotes Gaza's reconstruction, confirms Hamas has no intention of disarming despite public claims. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized that Hamas is conducting a deceptive campaign against Israel, and Israel will maintain its current security lines both on land and at sea until Hamas disarms and relinquishes control over Gaza.

The discussions included plans for joint Israeli-American committees focused on Gaza's development and rehabilitation. However, Israeli officials remain highly skeptical and concerned about aggressive American initiatives in the Rafah area, including the buildup of armored vehicles at a secured American base established for a multinational force of about 200 troops, approved by Israel's Security Cabinet, as well as large-scale tenders for constructing a new city and infrastructure in Rafah.

Israeli security sources stressed that only the IDF has the capability to disarm Hamas and is preparing for all scenarios, including renewed combat. The US opposes such military action, but the IDF has made clear it will respond decisively to any terrorist threats. Concurrently, the IDF and Ministry of Defense are reinforcing positions along the security line, improving rapid transit routes, enhancing surveillance and alert systems, and conducting extensive engineering operations to locate and destroy Hamas tunnels.