Former Israeli National Security Chief Warns Hamas Is Rebuilding Like Hezbollah, Urges Stronger Action
Meir Ben-Shabbat, former head of Israel's National Security Council and current director of the Meir Amit National Security Institute, analyzed recent US airstrikes in Iran and the evolving regional threats in an interview with Channel 7. He warned that Israel must prepare for possible Iranian retaliation, including direct attacks on Israeli territory or proxy assaults by Hezbollah or the Houthis, and stressed the need to strengthen Israel’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
Ben-Shabbat emphasized the importance of maintaining Israel’s security posture in Lebanon and Syria, rejecting any withdrawal that would undermine freedom of action or allow Hezbollah to rearm. He highlighted the fragile nature of Lebanese politics and the artificiality of past agreements, insisting Israel must insist on Hezbollah’s disarmament and continue to operate in areas critical to its defense.
Regarding Gaza, Ben-Shabbat noted that Hamas is exploiting Israel’s focus on Iran and Lebanon to rebuild its military capabilities and consolidate control. He warned that Hamas seeks to emulate Hezbollah’s model of combining military power with civilian governance and that Israel must intensify targeted killings and sabotage operations to prevent Hamas’s resurgence. He also cautioned about potential threats such as drone attacks and kidnappings.
On the US-Iran negotiations, Ben-Shabbat observed that Iran’s firm stance on the Strait of Hormuz and its refusal to compromise have exposed the limits of the recent US-Iran memorandum, complicating future nuclear talks. He suggested that US President Trump faces pressure to maintain a hard line despite preferring a bad deal over war.
Finally, addressing Israel’s internal divisions ahead of elections, Ben-Shabbat called for national unity and resilience, noting that enemies recognize Israel’s ability to unite in times of crisis. He urged all sectors to work toward reducing internal discord to strengthen the country’s standing against external threats.
