As the United States attempts to smooth the path toward the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, Israel continues to link any progress to the disarmament of resistance factions, analysts say. This stance comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to visit Washington for consultations with President Donald Trump, talks expected to focus on the next steps in the agreement.
Recently, the Israeli military announced the assassination of Raed Saad, described as the head of military manufacturing for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas. Hamas has condemned the operation as a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Israel justified the operation as retaliation for the detonation of an explosive device targeting Israeli forces stationed within the ‘yellow line,’ claiming it was approved by Netanyahu and carried out without prior notification to the United States. This action, according to experts, sends multiple messages.
Dr. Muhannad Mustafa, an expert on Israeli affairs, stated that the assassination, orchestrated by Netanyahu, was intended to reassure Israelis that Netanyahu will maintain operational freedom in Gaza, even as the agreement moves to its second phase.
Speaking on the program ‘Path of Events,’ Mustafa added that a second message was aimed at Hamas, signaling that its presence in the Strip is unacceptable. A third message was directed at the United States, underscoring Netanyahu’s unwavering demand for disarmament as a precondition for further progress.
Former US National Security Advisor Mike Fiveal echoed this sentiment, arguing that the failure to disarm Hamas and establish an international stabilization force would perpetuate such operations and impede the transition to the next phase.
Israel’s decision not to inform the Americans beforehand was deliberate, Fiveal suggests, allowing Washington to continue acting as a mediator and engage with all parties. The Trump administration, he believes, “won’t shed a tear because a Hamas leader was killed by the Israelis.” Washington views peace in Gaza as contingent upon resolving the issue of arms control.
