Israeli intelligence has reached a significant conclusion regarding Iran’s intentions following the assassination of a key figure, Haniyeh. According to an article by Axios, which relies on sources familiar with the matter, Iran is resolute in its decision to launch a direct attack on Israel in response. This decision marks a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Two officials, who requested anonymity, have indicated that Israeli intelligence now believes that Iran’s determination to strike Israel is unyielding. The anticipated attack is expected to be sustained, potentially lasting for several days, which represents a shift in the nature of hostilities between the two countries.
The Israeli authorities, fully aware of the impending threat, are reportedly depending heavily on the support of their key allies, particularly the United States, along with Britain and France, to defend against the anticipated Iranian assault. This reliance is reminiscent of the situation during Iran’s attack on April 14, when international assistance played a crucial role in repelling the offensive.
The Israeli defense establishment has previously assessed its missile defense capabilities, including the Iron Dome system, and has determined that they may not be sufficient to withstand a large-scale attack from Iran on their own. This realization has added to the sense of urgency in securing support from international partners.
In a related development, Hamas has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of ceasefire negotiations. The group has urged mediators to pressure Israel into accepting a previously agreed-upon deal rather than engaging in new rounds of talks. Hamas accuses Israel of delaying agreements in order to prolong the conflict in Gaza, highlighting a recent deadly airstrike on a school in Gaza City as evidence of Israel’s ongoing aggression.
While Israel has indicated its willingness to send a delegation for negotiations, possibly in Doha or Cairo, Hamas has yet to confirm its participation. Instead, the group is pushing for the implementation of a ceasefire deal proposed by the United States a couple of months ago, which had gained broad international support in July.
The proposed deal, initiated by U.S. President Joe Biden, comprises three key components. Firstly, it calls for a temporary ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from major cities in Gaza. This would be followed by a prisoner exchange, with Hamas releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Ultimately, the deal aims to establish a lasting ceasefire and a framework for rebuilding the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Despite initial support from Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been reluctant to endorse the deal. Netanyahu’s primary condition for any agreement is the continuation of Israel’s military campaign to dismantle Hamas, which he views as a prerequisite for lasting peace.
President Biden, however, remains committed to the proposed deal, emphasizing its viability in a recent interview with CBS. He expressed confidence in the plan’s potential to prevent the conflict from escalating into a broader regional war, a possibility he acknowledged as real.
As negotiations continue, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as both sides grapple with the challenges of reaching a lasting resolution to the conflict. Israel’s reliance on international support and Hamas’s push for the implementation of the July deal highlight the complex dynamics at play in this protracted and volatile conflict.
