Security officials familiar with the details of the regional process said there was an enormous gap between Hamas's conduct and US aspirations to advance reconstruction in exchange for disarmament.
US officials and representatives of the Board of Peace are preparing to conduct a field survey and mapping operation in the Gaza Strip to identify geographically suitable locations where Hamas members would surrender their weapons under US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan, Walla learned on Tuesday.
Israeli defense officials have expressed their confusion at the American approach to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip after the war, particularly Washington's desire to accelerate processes that appear to run counter to developments on the ground.
Security officials familiar with the details of the regional process said there was an enormous gap between Hamas's conduct and US aspirations to advance reconstruction in exchange for the surrender of weapons.
Under Hamas's original demands, the terrorist organization would be willing to hand over its weapons to a third party that would safeguard them inside the Gaza Strip, subject to commitments regarding reconstruction and an Israeli withdrawal.
"If two months ago Hamas was still trying to create a false impression that it was willing to disarm, now it is not even doing that, and it is investing its efforts in preparing for a return to fighting,” one security official stressed.
Military officials told Walla that the Gaza Strip is currently closer to escalation than to reconstruction and a negotiated arrangement.
They pointed to attempts by Hamas's military wing to rebuild its capabilities and strengthen its forces, ongoing training exercises, attempts to provoke confrontations with IDF troops along the Yellow Line, and intelligence warnings of planned terrorist attacks.
These include concerns about attempts to carry out attacks in the period leading up to Israel's elections, with the aim of influencing the results.
Israel striking Hamas 2-3 times daily in Gaza
Meanwhile, the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) are carrying out an average of two to three targeted operations daily against Hamas operatives and commanders in the Gaza Strip.
Some of those targeted were involved in the October 7 attacks, while others are currently organizing terrorist attacks or attempting to cross the Yellow Line.
Security officials maintain that, according to assessments in Jerusalem, Israel will oppose any reconstruction measures unless Hamas is disarmed in practice and the Gaza Strip is demilitarized, including the removal of terrorist infrastructure, weapons, and terrorists.