The IDF has not carried out strikes in the Gaza Strip for 26 consecutive hours, Channel 12 reports, citing a political source who insisted Israel maintains freedom of action and will continue operations as long as Hamas does not disarm. The report attributes the lull to rising tensions between Jerusalem and Washington over the scope of Israeli operations.
The lull in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip has extended to 26 consecutive hours, according to a Channel 12 report Monday evening. The report, citing a political source, attributes the halt to rising tensions between Jerusalem and Washington over the scope of operations. The source insisted that Israel maintains full freedom of action and will continue strikes as long as Hamas does not disarm, warning that even a confrontation with the US administration is possible. The IDF emphasized that operational freedom is preserved.
The lull follows the elimination of senior Hamas commander Nafedh Sabih (Abu Jalal), head of the terror group's military wing supervision and inspection body, in a vehicle strike in Gaza City on Sunday evening. The Zioneer reported on Sunday that the IDF and Shin Bet carried out the operation. Sabih's eldest son was also killed in the strike. Initial reports from Gazan sources were later confirmed by Israeli media, and an Israeli security source told Israeli media that the military was checking the report, adding that Sabih was not the intended target. Following the elimination, over 14 hours of quiet were reported by Monday morning, with Abu Ali Express noting the lull. By Monday evening, security analyst Chananel Aviv reported a 24-hour lull and raised the possibility of a secret agreement. The Channel 12 report now extends the lull to 26 hours and provides a diplomatic explanation.
The reported lull comes amid a broader context of US-Israel tensions over the scope of military operations. As The Zioneer has reported, Israel has objected to US demands to halt fighting in Lebanon as part of emerging understandings with Iran. Israeli officials have stressed that freedom of action against Hezbollah is non-negotiable. The Channel 12 report suggests similar tensions now apply to the Gaza front, with the US reportedly pressing for a reduction in strikes.
It remains unclear whether the lull represents a deliberate policy shift or a temporary pause. The political source quoted by Channel 12 insisted that Israel's freedom of action is preserved, and the IDF has not officially confirmed a halt. The analyst's speculation about a secret agreement remains unverified. Earlier Monday, an Israeli security source rejected speculation of a halt in Gaza strikes, saying the IDF continues operations.
10 developments
- StrongIsraeli source rejects speculation of halt in Gaza strikes
- DevelopingIsrael will not withdraw from current Gaza line, political source says, rejecting demand to halt international force
- StrongGaza quiet since Monday morning, no strikes recorded
- StrongYishai Spaz: Halt to Gaza strikes gives Hamas 'wind in its sails', emboldens terror group
Source and signal
- Open-source intake