6 August 2025
Israeli media has revealed that the Netanyahu government has approved a new military strategy that includes the full-scale ground invasion of the Gaza Strip and the assassination of Hamas leaders abroad, following the complete collapse of prisoner exchange negotiations.
According to Channel 14, the Israeli Security Cabinet is expected to hold a decisive session this week to formally adopt a strategy aimed at militarily subjugating Gaza and eliminating Hamas, both inside the Strip and beyond its borders.
Threats Directed at External Hamas Leaders
On Sunday, Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi issued a direct threat to the external leadership of Hamas during a visit to Israeli troops stationed in Gaza City, particularly those in the 162nd Division.
Halevi noted that the ‘cleansing’ of friction zones in army-controlled parts of Gaza has created what he called a “security buffer zone”, enabling enhanced defence of Israeli settlements and facilitating new waves of offensive operations.
He further stated that Israel’s offensive efforts are now rooted in intelligence-led targeting, precision strikes, and manoeuvre warfare, all aimed at methodically dismantling Hamas while minimising IDF troop attrition.
Strategic Crisis and Mossad’s Reluctance
Maariv also reported that Israel is experiencing a strategic and political breakdown, with the political leadership pushing the state toward what may be one of its most significant failures—having neither freed the 50 Israeli captives nor eliminated Hamas as declared objectives.
The paper confirmed that the Israeli military has two operational plans for continuing the war in Gaza. One likely scenario involves encircling Gaza City, intensifying aerial, naval, and artillery bombardments, and targeting residential areas with heavy firepower.
The report further noted that the Mossad has deliberately refrained from addressing the Hamas leadership abroad, forcing Shin Bet (Shabak) to establish a new unit for that purpose—despite this task falling outside its traditional scope.
Source: Sunnafiles
