Israel has sent a new threat message to Hamas, stating that it will not hesitate to face the launch of incendiary balloons from the Gaza Strip, even if this leads to a new confrontation.
According to media reports, Israel informed Hamas through a third party, that if it continues to fire incendiary and explosive balloons, there will be a response, regardless of its implications.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that the security and military establishment was currently studying Hamas’ intentions and whether the movement really wanted to reach a truce agreement or not.
The Israeli army and the Shin Bet security service have disagreements over this issue, as the army pushes towards patience and supports reaching an agreement; while the Shin Bet apparently believes that the movement may increase escalatory measures, including the launching of balloons.
The head of the Shin Bet security service, Nadav Argaman, warned the members of the mini cabinet against the consequences of maintaining financial pressure on the Palestinian Authority, while the Israeli government was working to empower Hamas. He said that the PA was a partner in combating “terrorism”, and its stability was an Israeli interest.
“There is a need to avoid any path to destabilize it [the PA]; instead, it is important to strengthen its security apparatus,” Argaman was quoted as saying.
The Shin Bet chief recommended that a settlement be reached with the Authority, which he said would allow for its gradual return to the Gaza Strip.
The Shin Bet warned against responding to Hamas’ military activities in a way that could be interpreted as a “weakness in front of terrorism,” adding that the movement was not serious about reaching a truce agreement.
The Israeli Army, on the other hand, supports the adoption of a calm approach and regards the launching of incendiary balloons as temporary.
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