According to a report from the cabinet meeting overnight, Shin Bet chief David Zini told ministers that Hamas is using the disarmament agreement with the Peace Council to delay and block Israeli military action. Zini assessed that Hamas plans to wait months, including after the elections, to see how the situation develops. All cabinet ministers reportedly told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to take steps that would appear to enter the 14-day 'disarmament preparation period,' which would halt targeted killings. Additionally, Israel did not sign a document allowing the entry of a multinational force into Gaza, despite the cabinet's earlier decision.
A detailed report from the cabinet meeting held overnight Thursday reveals that Shin Bet chief David Zini assessed Hamas is using the disarmament agreement with the Peace Council as a delaying tactic. Zini reportedly stated that Hamas believes the agreement will 'trap and block Israel' and prevent it from taking military action in the coming months. The Shin Bet chief assessed that Hamas plans to wait months, including after the upcoming elections, to see how the situation evolves. The cabinet ministers unanimously told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel must not take steps that would appear to enter the 14-day 'disarmament preparation period,' which would entail a halt to targeted killings. The discussion also revealed that Israel has not signed the Peace Council's roadmap with Hamas, and did not sign a separate document allowing the entry of a multinational force into Gaza. The document was held back due to objections raised by ministers, including a public letter by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of Settlements and National Missions Orit Strook.
The initial reports of the cabinet meeting emerged earlier Friday at 10:52 Jerusalem, with Shin Bet chief warning that Hamas's agreement to the roadmap was a 'deception exercise.' Subsequent reports by ynet detailed that Zini characterized the Hamas approach as a 'political October 7' — a strategic deception opportunity. The current report adds the specific details about the ministerial opposition to entering the preparation period and the unsigned documents, providing a more complete picture of the cabinet's deliberations.
The issue of the multinational force has been a point of contention. As The Zioneer reported on Friday, international forces, including American soldiers, have reportedly begun positioning near the Gaza border without prior approval from the Israeli Security Cabinet. Additionally, a report by journalist Ariel Kahana (Israel Hayom) on Aug 6 alleged that Turkey and Qatar are coordinating with the Peace Council to establish a foothold in Gaza through indirect means, bypassing the Israeli security framework. These developments come amid a broader regional realignment, with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan signing a tripartite defense pact on Friday.
It remains unclear whether the cabinet will ultimately approve the entry of the multinational force or sign the roadmap. The 14-day preparation period remains unentered, and the situation is fluid as Israel's security establishment and political echelon continue to debate the path forward.
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