Complacency, kites, and the response: How Hamas's move led to targeted killings
The security establishment estimates that Hamas exploited international pressure to stop targeted killings and gradually tried to erode the IDF's achievements. However, the launch of six kites within 48 hours led to a decision to respond with a heavy hand. Since August 11, 21 Hamas operatives have been eliminated, including senior field commanders.
According to sources in the Southern Command, in the last two weeks, the IDF has eliminated 21 human targets throughout the Gaza Strip, including senior field commanders. The latest was eliminated early this morning in an airstrike. The Commander of the Southern Command, Major General Yaniv Asur, has led a clear policy of targeted killings: pursuing everyone who took part in the October 7 massacre, with an emphasis on those who crossed the border line, those planning attacks, or those who pose an immediate threat.
About a week ago, last Wednesday, an attack was carried out in the Gaza Strip in which nine Palestinians were killed. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE exerted pressure on the United States to stop targeted killings in the Gaza Strip. In accordance with American demands and for fear that the ceasefire process would collapse, it was decided to stop the killings completely. However, about a week later, political pressure was exerted on the government and the security establishment, and it was decided to approve targeted killings on an individual basis, subject to the approval of the Chief of Staff and the political echelon.
The Hamas leadership exploited the pressure on the Israeli government and decided to renew the launching of kites towards Israel. This issue is defined as sensitive in the Western Negev communities because it has led to the burning of fields and forests and damaged homes. The IDF initially showed restraint to see if this was a trend or a localized incident, but the Hamas leadership made one move too many: the launching of six kites in 48 hours that fell in Israeli territory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz took advantage of the opportunity and summoned the Chief of Staff and senior generals for an urgent discussion, instructing them to respond to the kite launches. The response was expressed in the gradual return of targeted killings.
According to military sources, the assessment in the IDF is that Hamas acted with complacency and tried to force a new security reality on Israel. It attempted to erode operational achievements through friction at the "yellow line," challenging naval forces, and establishing terrorist infrastructure. According to military officials, this was intended to be the first stage before the operation of drones.
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir concluded at the last General Staff forum that the response to the kite launching would be a return to targeted killings and a heavy hand against any attempt to challenge the IDF.
