Senior Israeli intelligence and Southern Command officials warned Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir on Sunday that Hamas is manufacturing hundreds of explosive devices and anti-tank missiles each month, recruiting fighters aged 18–22, training Nukhba operatives, and rebuilding underground infrastructure across Gaza, according to Kan News. The officials assessed that Hamas faces no real challenge to its control of the strip and shows no intention of giving up power. The IDF has informed the U.S. that it favors resuming combat, while Washington opposes renewing hostilities and seeks to preserve the current framework.
The warning, reported Sunday evening by Kan News, comes days after a similar assessment was shared with the Chief of Staff — first reported by The Zioneer at 20:33 Jerusalem on Sunday — citing the same intelligence and Southern Command circle. Sunday's briefing adds specific numbers and operational details: Hamas is producing "hundreds" of explosive devices and anti-tank missiles monthly, recruiting specifically from the 18–22 age bracket, resuming Nukhba training for elite operatives, attempting to smuggle drones and communications equipment from Sinai, and rebuilding the underground tunnel network across the Strip.
The officials' bottom line, as relayed by Kan, is that Hamas remains militarily coherent, perceives no real threat to its rule, and is unwilling to surrender power. The message to the political and military leadership was that the organization is actively preparing for a renewed conflict, not merely maintaining a ceasefire.
The report also notes a clear divergence between Israel and the United States: the IDF has conveyed to Washington that it favors resuming offensive operations in Gaza, while the Biden administration opposes renewed combat and wants the existing framework agreement preserved. This tension echoes a similar division reported by The Zioneer on June 26, when Southern Command chief and General Staff disagreed on the timing of a renewed campaign.
What remains unconfirmed: whether Chief of Staff Zamir has conveyed a formal recommendation to the political echelon, and whether any operational timeline has been set. The Kan report is attributed to officials speaking on condition of anonymity.
2 developments
- DevelopingHamas rebuilding launch sites in Gaza, preparing for next round, source says
- DevelopingAnalyst assesses Hamas is secretly rebuilding ranks, recruiting children
- StrongSecurity establishment divided: Southern Command chief supports Gaza renewal, top brass hesitates
- StrongIsrael prepares for new Gaza campaign if Hamas refuses disarmament, advances US-led 'green city' in Rafah
Source and signal
- Internal intake