Yoni Ben Menachem's Blog - נושא: The Palestinian Arena

Hamas Seeks to End the War and Project Victory

20 January 2025

Hamas is striving to buy time and prevent Israel from resuming military operations in the Gaza Strip to maintain its grip on power and demonstrate that Israel has failed to achieve its war objectives.
Senior security officials estimate that Hamas is counting on the Trump administration to prevent Israel from resuming hostilities. As a result, Hamas is taking measures to avoid giving Israel any justification for renewing the conflict.

Fear of a Security Escalation in Judea and Samaria Following the Release of Terrorists

19 January 2025

The Israeli security establishment is preparing for a potential security escalation in Judea and Samaria due to the anticipated release of hundreds of terrorists as part of the deal between Israel and Hamas.
Palestinian Authority (PA) officials estimate that the release will empower armed terrorist groups, potentially destabilizing the PA and escalating attacks.

Why Did Hamas Resume Firing Rockets from the Gaza Strip at Israel?

9 January 2025

In recent weeks, Hamas has resumed firing rockets at Israel despite the ongoing Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operations in the Gaza Strip. This development signals a partial restoration of Hamas’ military capabilities and highlights its intent to deliver messages to Israel and its domestic audience.

How Can President Trump Put Pressure on Hamas?

9 January 2025

The Hamas organization appears to dismiss President Trump’s warnings regarding the release of hostages, with sources within Hamas claiming that his threats do not intimidate their leadership.
However, senior Israeli security officials have proposed a series of measures that President Trump could implement if the hostages are not released by the time he assumes office on January 20.

Hamas Recruits Thousands of New Fighters in Gaza Strip

6 January 2025

Security sources confirm that Hamas’s military wing has recruited thousands of new fighters, who have undergone military training, in exchange for money, humanitarian aid, and medical treatment. This recruitment aims to fill the ranks left vacant by those killed or captured during the ongoing conflict.

The IDF is preparing for the potential occupation of Gaza City and plans to reduce humanitarian aid to the Strip if hostage deal negotiations fail.
These developments come amid a growing concern over Hamas’s military capabilities.

The “Operation for the Defense of the Homeland” by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas

17 December 2024

Senior security officials in Israel express deep skepticism about the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) ability and willingness to dismantle terrorist strongholds in northern Samaria.
They argue that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) must intervene directly with a large-scale operation, akin to a “Protective Wall 2” initiative, involving two divisions.

PA Chairman Abbas Prepares for Potential Transition of Leadership

2 December 2024

Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, now 89 years old, is taking steps to ensure an orderly transfer of power in anticipation of a scenario where he may be unable to fulfill his duties due to health issues or other incapacitation.

Hamas Loots Humanitarian Aid and Eliminates Rivals

19 November 2024

Hamas killed 20 residents in the Gaza Strip, accusing them of stealing humanitarian aid.

The PA’s Concerns About Potential Annexation Under Trump

13 November 2024

The PA is increasingly concerned that Israel may seek to annex parts of Judea and Samaria during the upcoming term of former President Donald Trump.
PA officials report that President Mahmoud Abbas has made a strategic decision to lift the boycott on Trump’s administration, resuming negotiations with Israel on the basis of a two-state solution.

Is the End of Yahya Sinwar Approaching?

16 September 2024

The Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, operates a specialized unit dedicated to tracking down Yahya and Muhammad Sinwar, key leaders of Hamas’s military wing in the Gaza Strip. According to security sources, their elimination is only a matter of time. As the IDF increases military operations in the area, the likelihood of locating their hiding place grows.