According to the military, the operation centers on the "five villages" cluster. Forces are arresting wanted suspects based on intelligence identifying a reorganization of terror groups in the sector. Troops also conducted weapons searches in the town of Tubas.

The IDF stated the operation will span several days and concentrates on five key villages – Tubas, Tamun, Far'a, Tayasir and Aqaba. Forces will arrest wanted individuals based on precise intelligence following the identification of renewed terrorist organizations operating in the area.

In Tubas, reports confirmed a military curfew, road blockades and the deployment of army checkpoints throughout the village. Government institutions, schools and kindergartens have been ordered closed for the duration of the operation.

The operation follows activity on Monday, when an Israel Police elite counterterrorism force in Nablus eliminated terrorist Abd al-Rauf Ashtiyeh. Ashtiyeh was responsible for the ramming attack in May of last year that killed Kfir Brigade fighters Staff Sgt. Eliya Hilel (20) from Tel Zion and Staff Sgt. Diego Gabriel Harsaj (20) from Tel Aviv near the community of Itamar in Samaria.

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Israel Hayom has learned that Azerbaijan – an ally of Israel that considered joining the force several weeks ago – conveyed in recent days the message that it will not agree to endanger the lives of its soldiers in Gaza. In Baku, as in other countries, officials are currently discussing participation in the ISF as part of reconstruction processes and maintaining calm, but not at the stage currently required of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Strip.

During Thursday's cabinet session, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed to ministers a fundamental agreement exists between him and President Donald Trump's representatives: if no alternative actor emerges to eliminate Hamas, and if the organization refuses voluntary disarmament, Israel assumes the mission. Both Netanyahu and IDF representatives at the Kiryat Gat international headquarters hear explicit American commitments to Gaza demilitarization, as Trump's plan stipulates.

"Hamas growing stronger"

During Thursday's Diplomatic-Security Cabinet session, IDF and Shin Bet representatives briefed ministers that Hamas has not only failed to surrender weapons as pledged, but actively exploits the period for renewed armament and force building. The Shin Bet representative stated, "Hamas is exploiting the ceasefire to strengthen its power to prepare against us, in case we enter to operate in the red side of Gaza, and also to appoint officials in the organization."

The intelligence assessment stressed the organization exploits dual-use materials entering Gaza through international supply channels to rearm. The terrorists additionally gather IDF ordnance fragments, converting them for their purposes, including explosive device production. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted in this context, "every day the Americans search for who will demilitarize Gaza, they (Hamas) grow stronger."

Netanyahu added, "it's clear from all contacts that if there's no external force, we're demilitarizing." Netanyahu also disclosed he demanded Americans postpone Gaza rehabilitation until demilitarization implementation. "I told the Americans that they must ensure demilitarization on the ground of Hamas, before any rehabilitation," he stated.

According to him, "The Americans agree that there won't be rehabilitation in the green side (held by the IDF) as long as there's no rehabilitation in the red side (held by Hamas)." It should be noted that according to sources close to the White House, this principle is accepted by Jared Kushner and he currently doesn't expect Gaza rehabilitation to begin before the military threat posed by Hamas is removed.

Israel Hayom has learned that Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir detailed at the previous cabinet meeting, last Thursday ten days ago, from which points in the Gaza Strip the IDF must not withdraw under any circumstances. According to the chief of staff, even if the unexpected occurs and Hamas lays down its weapons, the IDF must show presence in the area. Zamir's position is also that reconstruction of Gaza should not be agreed to in any part of the Strip without demilitarization being carried out.

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Netanyahu was joined by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet Director David Zini, and National Security Advisor Gil Reich.

Israel has been holding on to parts of southern Syria ever since the regime of Bashar Assad collapsed in late 2024. The move, which involved crossing beyond the 1974 separation of forces agreement (Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria) well into southern Syria, was meant to create a buffer that would prevent radical elements such as al-Qaida and ISIS from using the chaos in the country as cover for launching attacks on Israel, as well as preventing the establishment of an Iranian foothold in the vacuum left by the fleeing regime forces. Israel controls the peak of the Hermon as part of this new military presence, as well as several Druze villages.

Video: PM Netanyahu in Syria / Credit: GPO

Several months ago, Israel Hayom received unprecedented access to the Syrian Hermon sector, captured following the rebels' victory in Syria and the fall of the Assad regime. This marked first media tour of this strategically vital foothold, which has been seared in Israelis' collective memory as a crucial post since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

The Syrian Hermon contains dozens of former Syrian positions. When then-IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and then-Northern Command Chief Uri Gordin visited the highest post – dubbed H1 by Syria and "The Peak" by the IDF – they were forced to exit immediately due to the overwhelming stench.

These hastily abandoned Syrian military positions yielded discarded uniforms, officer insignia, and substantial weaponry: explosives, mines, RPG launchers, grenades, and personal weapons. After collecting these materials, the IDF undertook extensive cleaning operations. Some positions contained apparent graves for soldiers who succumbed to disease or cold.

"On a clear day you see Damascus," one of the soldiers told Israel Hayom during the visit.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani) conducted a historic visit to Washington in November, while Syria's UN Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi addressed security negotiations with Israel and claimed the agreement "could be published at any moment."

Olabi noted negotiations continue, and their nature remains primarily security-focused, based on the agreement signed after the Yom Kippur War. "The focus of the talks is mainly on border checkpoints, the number of forces on each side, and similar matters," the ambassador was quoted as saying by the Syrian news site Al-Watan.

"The discussions address several issues and concerns of both sides. If Israel has security concerns, they can be addressed. If other issues are not security-related, they require a different approach," the ambassador said, apparently referring to the Druze issue in the Druze Mountain region, who were attacked by the Damascus regime.

The ambassador described Syrian President al-Sharaa's visit to Washington as a "historic opportunity" and stated that his country aims to establish "a space of peace, security, and stability on its southern border."

However, al-Sharaa has recently stressed that no peace would take place unless Israel withdraws from the territory it had taken during the Six-Day War, meaning that a return to the Assad-era lines established after the 1973 war were not sufficient.

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Azarzar, 27, and his partner, Israeli citizens living in northern Israel, were arrested last month on suspicion of security offenses involving contact with Iranian intelligence operatives and executing security missions under their guidance. The Shin Bet and police investigation revealed that over a period of more than one year, Shimon Azarzar maintained contact with Iranian intelligence operatives and carried out various operational tasks under their instruction. During this period, he transmitted photos and locations of sensitive installations in Israel and offered to provide crucial information to his handlers from IDF bases.

Video: Suspects arrested for conducting espionage tasks for Iranian operatives. Credit: Usage under Israel's Intellectual Property Law Article 27(a)

Additionally, Azarzar exploited his relationship with his partner, who serves in reserves at an Air Force base, and obtained from her various details about the IDF, Air Force bases, and more. The investigation also revealed that he offered his Iranian handler information from an IDF base.

According to the investigation findings, Azarzar received payments for his services that were transferred via digital payment methods. Sunday morning, an indictment was filed against Azarzar in the Haifa District Court.

This incident joins a series of previous cases in which Israeli citizens helped Iranian operatives gather intelligence and transmit sensitive information from Israel for payment. To date, over 30 indictments have been filed against suspects in cases nationwide.

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Video: The slip-up by Hamas official / Credit: Social media

During his comments to the Qatari Al-Jazeera network, Suhail al-Hindi, a Hamas bureau member in Gaza who departed the Strip before the war, stated, "A group of martyrs were killed, chief among them Jihad Labad, who is the director of the office of the Hamas leader of Gaza. In addition to Hamam al-Hayya, and , the son of the martyred commander, he is the son of the dear brother Khalil al-Hayya, in addition to a group of companions, and contact was lost with them, as we said. And they are Khalil al-Ha... uh... Hamam Khalil al-Hayya, Abdullah Abd al-Wahd, Mu'man Hassuna, Ahmad Abd." It is clear if this was a slip of the tongue or confusion from al-Hindi, who appeared stressed during the interview.

Qatari officials allege that the US and Israel assured them just last month that senior Hamas officials would not be harmed on Qatari soil. This was reported on Wednesday morning by senior Washington Post columnist David Ignatius.

The name selected for the operation is "Summit of Fire." Israel is monitoring the strike's outcome, and regardless, the attack in Doha itself holds significance, as senior Hamas officials now realize they have no safe haven after believing they were immune in Qatar.

Consequently, according to a security official, Tuesday night's strike could, in any event, bring about a change and compel Hamas "toward a desire to end the war out of fear for their lives."

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If it turns out it was simply a deception exercise intended to gather senior Hamas leaders in Doha for a meeting (in this case, a last meeting), this would not be the first time: a similar deception exercise, involving the American president and Israeli media, was conducted before the surprise attack on Iran. There too, it succeeded.

The decision to target Qatar represents a milestone in Israel–US relations, or perhaps Netanyahu–Trump relations, but it also reflects another essential element in the prime minister's war management: over his many years leading the country, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acted moderately and cautiously regarding military force, avoiding breaking enemy balances. Since October 7 that approach has changed. It appears that now no operational plan reaches Netanyahu without his at least serious consideration.

What began as a deep and genuine trust crisis between Netanyahu and the security establishment reversed completely during the long months of war, at least in special operations (the effort to defeat Hamas in Gaza is a different matter).

The strike on Qatari soil likewise expresses Israeli and American frustration with the Gulf state, which mediates in negotiations on one hand but hosts Hamas' foreign leadership with royal honor on the other.

This frustration is also directed at Hamas's foreign leadership, which imposed difficulties on negotiation progress and steadfastly refuses to compromise. Israel has taken responsibility: it struck Hamas leadership in Qatar.

Israel previously eliminated people it negotiated with (Yahyah Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh), and the sky did not fall. Hamas leaders in Gaza are now more isolated and pressured than ever before, and no one knows for sure how they will respond. Will they execute hostages? Surrender? Or attempt to squeeze Israel to the utmost, this time relying exclusively on Egypt to mediate?

It must be assumed that the Shin Bet – responsible for the intelligence in the operation and whose command center in central Israel ran the operation – seriously considered these questions.

The dynamics in this war are unlike anything else in history, and trying to predict would be pointless. History will judge whether the Qatar operation advances Israel's war goals.

One thing is certain looking back over the past 23 months: When Israel dares, surprises, and strikes with strength – it usually paid off.

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"The Hamas terror spokesman Abu Obeida was eliminated in Gaza, and sent to meet all the eliminated members of the axis of evil from Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen at the bottom of hell," Katz wrote in his message, which he published on the social network X. "Congratulations to the IDF and Shin Bet on the perfect execution. Soon, as the campaign against Gaza intensifies, he will meet many more of his partners in crime there – the murderers and rapists of Hamas."

The strike in which Abu Obeida was eliminated was a pinpoint strike on an apartment in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City. His family members and commanders in the terror organization confirmed his death. According to reports, at least 7 people were killed and dozens were wounded during the strike.

"Abu Obeida can no longer spread his lies, propaganda, and terror," the IDF said on Sunday on X. "Kahlout was one of the last remaining senior terrorists of Hamas' Military Wing from before Oct. 7, 2023. He led propaganda and psychological terror campaigns, spreading footage of abducted Israeli civilians & soldiers and atrocities of the October 7th Massacre. Additionally, he distributed incitement videos across the Arab world & among the Palestinian public encouraging them to commit similar acts of terrorism, and coordinating messaging across Hamas' military wing."

ELIMINATED: Hudahaifa Kahlout "Abu Obaidah", Head of Hamas' Military Wing Propaganda Apparatus

Kahlout was one of the last remaining senior terrorists of Hamas' Military Wing from before Oct. 7, 2023. He led propaganda and psychological terror campaigns, spreading footage of… https://t.co/5r4w1Wl2Px

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 31, 2025

Abu Obeida was regarded until now as one of the most senior figures remaining in the Strip, and certainly the most prominent among them after the senior operatives of Hamas were eliminated throughout the war. His propaganda releases, mainly messages on Telegram during the war, were widespread throughout the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Authority territories, and the entire Arab world, and he was highly significant to public opinion and Hamas's methodology.

The "presenter" of a terrorist organization, who was a central figure in its propaganda, has met his end. Abu Obeida, or Hudhayfah Kahlout by his original name, with the high-pitched voice and red-and-white keffiyeh that hid his face except for his eyes, was one of Hamas's most recognizable symbols.

During demonstrations in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and Arab nations, Hamas supporters would chant his name and that of Mohammed Deif, the eliminated head of the military wing. His statements to the media, though rife with lies and falsehoods, became televised events. Courtesy of the Qatari channel Al-Jazeera and pro-Iranian media outlets, his words reached millions of Muslims worldwide.

This is genuinely how he became a symbol of the path of terror, "the resistance," as it is termed by our enemies. Conversely, he amassed a significant number of enemies, including within Palestinian society. Many justifiably viewed him as a propaganda mouthpiece for a cult of death-eaters, the very one that inflicted destruction and ruin upon the Gaza Strip.

Abu Obeida served for two decades as the spokesman for the "Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades military wing." He started issuing statements during the terror attacks of the Second Intifada. Based on details he gave the media 20 years ago, he comes from a refugee family that arrived in Gaza after the War of Independence and settled in one of the towns.

He was likely born in the 1980s and was around 40 years old on the eve of the attack. Since 2004, he had delivered announcements concerning the organization's terrorist attacks, mixing them with threats and psychological warfare. For instance, he announced the kidnapping of soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006, and the abduction of the fallen Oron Shaul, of blessed memory, during combat in Operation Protective Edge in 2014, even though Hamas never stated he fell in battle.

Periodically, Abu Obeida also commented on the fate of senior Hamas officials who were targeted or eliminated. In Operation Protective Edge, he announced that Mohammed Deif had survived an assassination attempt. In the current war, he was tasked with announcing utter fabrications to sow demoralization on the Israeli side.

The Telegram channel that bears his name has also frequently touched on the contacts for a hostage exchange. When Hamas sought to apply pressure during the most recent deal, Abu Obeida's channel published a demand to renew the humanitarian protocol, warning the release process would not proceed otherwise.

Meanwhile, Arab sources reported on Sunday that the apartment occupied by Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida in the affluent Rimal neighborhood in western Gaza City had been rented just a few days prior. This is a known bastion for senior Hamas officials that, during the war, endured extensive destruction and absorbed masses of evacuees and beggars.

Despite this, restaurants serving the Strip's wealthy – primarily various merchants who have earned a substantial profit in the past two years – continue to operate there. Following the strike, it was reported that Hamas terrorists sealed off the area and barred people from approaching. In total, eight fatalities were discovered. The Al-Arabiya channel noted his body was identified by relatives.

It is doubtful that Hamas will acknowledge Abu Obeida's death in the near future. On Saturday night, only after roughly three months, the terrorist organization finally provided an update on the elimination of Mohammed Sinwar, the former head of the military wing, and Mohammed Shabana, the organization's Rafah brigade commander.

The senior officials now remaining in Gaza are the head of the wing and former Gaza City brigade commander, Izz al-Din al-Haddad; chiefs of staff Mohammed Awda and Ra'ad Saad; and Tawfiq Abu Naim, who is in charge of internal mechanisms. The members of the "Political Bureau in Gaza" have been almost completely eliminated or exiled.

The death of Abu Obeida is yet another manifestation of the nadir the organization has reached, finding itself without a terrorist army, senior leadership in Gaza, iconic symbols, or smuggling routes.

Nevertheless, a successor will be found to deliver his statements, making his practical importance low. Moreover, the thousands of terrorists who remain in Gaza should not be underestimated, even if they are fragmented and divided into independent "guerrilla units."

While Hamas circles abroad warn against expanding the operation in the city and broadcast an air of fear, their objective is to push for greater international pressure.

Meanwhile, the remnants of Hamas inside Gaza are preparing to attempt attacks against our forces, all while concealed within the civilian population and booby-trapping buildings and pathways with explosive devices. Their stated aim is a war of attrition for as long as possible, hoping international pressure will compel a ceasefire without an agreement to release the hostages.

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The joint Shin Bet and Israel Police investigation discovered that throughout 2025, Mizrahi maintained communication with Iranian terror agents and executed various security tasks for them, some jointly with his friend Atias. Both suspects allegedly understood they were working under Iranian guidance and that their actions could compromise national security, motivated primarily by financial incentives.

As part of the missions directed by his Iranian handlers, Mizrahi acquired a new mobile phone and installed a specialized application to communicate with his operators. Later, he was instructed to move a bag buried in the ground from one location to another which, according to his understanding, contained an explosive device. Mizrahi carried out this transfer following his handlers' detailed instructions.

Prosecutors are expected to file serious indictments against both suspects within days. A security source remarked on the case, "This incident joins numerous recent cases showing repeated attempts by hostile intelligence and terror elements to recruit Israeli citizens for operations designed to undermine the security of the State of Israel and its residents."

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to the incident, "I congratulate the Shin Bet and Israel Police for thwarting the Iranian attempt to harm me as the defense minister of the State of Israel. Iran is the head of the terrorist octopus that promotes terrorist activity directly and through terrorist organizations it supports against leaders and all citizens of the State of Israel. My heart and concern are primarily for the hostages who are exposed and without protection in Hamas tunnels and for Israeli citizens exposed to Iranian threats in Israel and abroad."

Katz continued, "I will not be deterred by any threat and will continue to fulfill my commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and to cut off the head of the Iranian octopus and its tentacles of terror organizations it supports. I will continue to lead with a firm hand the struggle for the security of the State of Israel."

The Shin Bet and Israel Police have issued renewed warnings to Israeli citizens and residents against establishing contact with foreign entities and performing tasks for them.

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A senior official in the military wing of Hamas claims that on the eve of the October 7 massacre, double agents were activated to pass false information to Israel's Shin Bet security service with the aim of creating a false impression of security routine in the Gaza Strip. According to this official, this information influenced Israeli intelligence assessment and enabled the concealment of preparations for the attack. The details were published Sunday in a report by Lt. Col. (res.) Jonathan D. Halevi at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs.

According to the official, Hamas' security apparatus successfully exposed a large spy network operating on behalf of Israel in 2017. Some of the exposed agents, it is claimed, were turned into double agents reactivated by the al-Qassam Brigades – Hamas' military wing – to gather information about the Shin Bet's operational methods, the identities of agents it operates, and their equipment.

According to statements by Mahmoud Mardawi and Jasser Barghouti – senior Hamas officials – in an interview published in February 2025, one of the central measures taken was the arrest of 45 Palestinians identified by Hamas as Israeli agents, following the assassination of Mazen Fuqaha in 2017. Mardawi claimed that these arrests "paralyzed the enemy's ability to obtain intelligence" and made it difficult for Israel to receive relevant warnings ahead of the attack.

Jasser Barghouti claimed that following the extensive arrest of the agent network, Hamas managed to understand the operational patterns of Israeli intelligence, and thus double agents were activated who conveyed directed or false information to Israel. According to him, these agents skewed intelligence assessment and were part of the "Al-Aqsa Flood" plan.

According to official Hamas publications, the attempt to mislead Israeli intelligence existed even earlier. For example, a documentary broadcast on Al-Mayadeen channel in December 2019 presented "Operation Illusions" carried out between 2016 and 2018. According to Hamas' version, an agent with access to the rocket unit of the al-Qassam Brigades was operated by the Shin Bet to locate and destroy rockets and launch sites – but was actually operated by Hamas itself.

According to that documentation, the agent deliberately misled Israeli intelligence, exposed the names of his handlers from the Shin Bet, and also managed to receive intelligence equipment from them during his activities. A recorded conversation with the Israeli handler was presented in the film as proof that he was a double agent who knew how to deceive his handlers.

According to Hamas, the purpose of publishing the film was "to surprise the enemy" and to demonstrate that the organization is capable of thwarting intelligence moves in the future as well.

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"After years of serving on many fronts, the sky fell in one night on the southern front. All systems collapsed. The Shin Bet also failed to provide a warning," Bar said in his speech. "As the head of the organization, I took responsibility for that—and tonight, on this evening of remembrance, heroism, and sacrifice, I chose to announce that I will see that responsibility through and conclude my service."

Bar also addressed the collective responsibility of Israel's security leadership: "Given the magnitude of the event, all of us who chose public service and the defense of the state's security as our life mission, and who failed to provide a protective shield on that day, must bow our heads humbly before the murdered, the fallen, the wounded, the abducted, and their families, and act accordingly. All of us."

He continued: "Translating responsibility into action is an inseparable part of setting a personal example and the legacy of our leadership. We have no legitimacy to lead without it."

Bar also commented on the ongoing legal battle over the independence of the Shin Bet, a matter currently before the High Court of Justice: "This is an organization whose proper functioning is priceless for the security of the state and the health of Israeli democracy. Over the past month, I fought for this, and this week, all the necessary infrastructure was laid before the court. I hope the ruling will ensure that the Shin Bet remains this way, independent and fearless, for the long term."

He stressed: "There must be clarification regarding the institutional protections that allow every Shin Bet chief to carry out their duties independently and free of pressure, while remaining subject to government policy and working for the benefit of the public. That distinction, between trust and loyalty, must be drawn clearly."

Bar concluded with a personal message: "My love for the homeland and loyalty to the state have been the foundation of every professional decision I have ever made. That remains the case this evening as well."

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