Senior IDF officials are pushing for a renewal of military operations in the Gaza Strip, arguing in closed-door discussions that “the best time to defeat Hamas is now”.

According to the officials, despite the war ending in October, Hamas was not defeated and continues to strengthen its control over the territory while rearming itself.

The sources stated that Hamas continues manufacturing weapons, including rockets, explosive devices, and anti-tank missiles intended for attacks against Israel and IDF forces. They stressed that the mission defined at the beginning of the war – preventing Hamas from ruling Gaza – has still not been completed.