Ynet revealed details of a closed IDF discussion in which Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told the prime minister and defense minister that Hamas is 'defeated' — it does not fire, does not respond, and Israel is eliminating its warehouses and senior operatives. The head of Military Intelligence's Research Division qualified the assessment, stating that Hamas still seeks to rebuild governance, recruit, and rearm, and remains a threatening organization, according to the report.
The report, first published by Ynet on Tuesday evening and reviewed by The Zioneer, provides unprecedented detail of a closed-door discussion held two weeks ago at the Gaza Division. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz that 'Hamas is defeated,' arguing that the terror group is not firing at Israeli forces, not responding to strikes, and that the IDF is systematically eliminating its weapons caches and senior operatives — including those who carried out the October 7 massacre.
The head of the Military Intelligence Research Division (AMAN) offered a more cautious assessment, telling the discussion: 'We identify a desire by Hamas to renew governance on the red line — inside Hamas's own territory — to recruit people and build up force. We must note that Hamas remains a threatening organization.' Zamir acknowledged the point, saying it reflected Hamas's intentions, but reiterated that the organization is effectively 'defeated' in its operational capacity.
The Zioneer has previously reported on warnings from the security establishment about Hamas's efforts to rebuild its command and control capabilities in Gaza, and internal IDF debates over whether to renew offensive operations.
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