In a recent analysis, he pointed to growing chaos on the ground and a clear disconnect between Hamas leadership in Gaza and abroad as signs of the breakdown of its civilian government.

He highlighted the recent elimination of Mohammed Sinwar, Mahmoud Shabani, and the entire Sinwar family, long considered the backbone of Hamas’ military wing, as a critical blow to the organization.

According to Ben-Menachem, Hamas’s increasing weakness, especially in the Khan Younis area, opens a strategic opportunity for the IDF. “If Israel defeats the remaining brigade there, after the operation in Rafah, the entire southern Gaza Strip will be in our hands,” he said.