Senior Israeli military officials have shared intelligence assessments about Hamas with their American counterparts, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The report, citing informed sources, says Hamas has no intention of disarming. Israeli intelligence reportedly believes the group is reorganising its forces in Gaza in preparation for another full-scale war with Israel. These assessments were also presented to political leaders in Washington and Israel in recent days.
Read More: Israeli intelligence claims Iran moved centrifuges to underground
According to the report, Israeli officials believe Hamas does not intend to cooperate with any international body. They reportedly assess that military force is the only way to disarm the group. However, these claims reflect Israeli intelligence assessments and have not been independently verified in the report. The findings highlight continuing disagreements over Hamas’s future role and the security arrangements for Gaza.
Haaretz reported that the Israeli military believes Hamas has repaired parts of its tunnel network. The assessment also says the group has collected weapons again in areas of Gaza that remain under its control. Israeli military estimates reportedly place Hamas’s current fighting force between 30,000 and 40,000 members. The newspaper said this figure matches the estimated size of the group’s forces before its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The report further states that Israel’s security establishment believes Hamas has restored its governing control over the Gaza Strip. According to the assessment, the group currently faces no significant challenge to its authority in the areas it controls. These claims underline Israel’s concerns about Hamas’s military and political influence. However, the report does not independently establish the full extent of the group’s control or operational capabilities.
Read More: Iran still armed with advanced missiles, says Israeli intelligence
Meanwhile, efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement remain stalled. Negotiations have sought to secure an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. The reported intelligence assessments could add to concerns surrounding these negotiations and future security arrangements. Nevertheless, the report’s claims remain attributed to Israeli officials and sources cited by Haaretz. The next steps will depend on diplomatic efforts and developments on the ground.