IDF raises readiness level over possible Hamas response
The Israel Defense Forces have raised their level of readiness amid concerns over a possible Hamas response to a series of targeted strikes in the Gaza Strip and reports of the detention of a senior representative of the group. This was reported by the Jerusalem Post, citing Walla sources.
Possible attacks along the Yellow Line
According to the sources, the IDF Southern Command fears that commanders of Hamas’s military wing may carry out a guerrilla operation against Israeli posts or patrols along the Yellow Line. Officials also do not rule out rocket fire at Israeli territory, which Hamas may use to demonstrate its capabilities.
Before Rosh Hashanah, the Israeli military is to conduct a situation assessment regarding the possible selective reinforcement of forces in the Gaza Strip. Among the likely measures is sending Hamas, through mediators, a signal that an attack on IDF soldiers or civilians in Israel will trigger an unusual response from the Israeli army.
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Different versions regarding the detention
Israel’s defense establishment did not comment on reports of the detention of the head of Hamas’s internal security service. Officials noted that this person is important for understanding the group’s internal activities, and that his interrogation could provide information on operational plans, working methods, people under protection, and field commanders recently appointed to sensitive positions.
According to the publication, the operation was carried out with the participation of Shin Bet and a Palestinian militia from Gaza that opposes Hamas. Palestinian sources claimed that Hamas fighters detected Israeli special forces in the area of the al-Shati refugee camp, after which a shootout occurred and the detention allegedly did not take place. At the same time, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the detention did take place and linked the operation to an increase in the launching from Gaza of explosive-laden kites toward Israeli territory.
