A senior Israeli source with intimate knowledge of diplomatic developments has indicated that Israel plans to resume military operations in Gaza should the hostage release agreement collapse. "We remain committed to achieving all our war objectives. Through the valor of our heroic soldiers, we have eliminated approximately 85% of Hamas's military capabilities in Gaza and secured the release of roughly two-thirds of the hostages. Our commitment stands firm: We will bring everyone home and completely eliminate Hamas' capabilities in Gaza. Nothing less," the senior Israeli source stated.
These remarks were conveyed to Israel Hayom in response to mounting criticism from right-wing circles, including previously supportive organizations, regarding the strategic concessions Israel made to secure the hostages' return. These concessions include allowing hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents to return to the northern Gaza Strip without security screening and the IDF's withdrawal from the Netzarim enclave.
The Bitchonistim movement, under the leadership of Brigadier General (ret.) Amir Avivi, stands among the critics of the agreement, asserting that "Israel is prematurely surrendering its leverage over Hamas. The almost unrestricted Palestinian movement to the Strip's northern sector represents a critical error. This will directly result in the area's rearmament, with weapons brought in having serious implications for our soldiers when they return to combat operations there."
"Preparation for renewed combat essential"
The Bitchonistim further maintain that "regarding the hostage Arbel Yehoud, Israel possessed a pressure point through the Netzarim axis [from which it refused to withdraw until her release was secured]. This early concession rapidly depletes our leverage options, even before discussions about the second phase of the agreement have begun." The movement stressed that under these circumstances, "preparation for renewed Gaza operations with fresh operational approaches is imperative."
The Reservists Commanders Forum voiced additional criticism, declaring: "In an unprecedented decision, the State of Israel is relinquishing one of only two strategic assets gained during this war, merely to sustain this dangerous agreement."
"While Israel has grown accustomed over recent decades to paying excessive prices – releasing dozens or even hundreds of murderers for our hostages – leading to increased citizen risk and more kidnappings, we are now escalating this pattern by dismantling a strategic asset for a highly partial agreement. This decision significantly undermines our capability to achieve complete victory," the Forum stated.
Within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle, awareness of growing criticism from previously supportive factions is evident. In response, they are communicating that the military campaign against Hamas remains ongoing and will resume should the agreement collapse.
