Israeli headlines on internet news sites and broadcast networks on Oct. 4 loudly declared a state of tension in Gaza and argued that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is preparing for a large-scale operation. According to the headlines, the IDF was reported to be deploying its Iron Dome missile interception system; it was said that Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman had directed the IDF to remain in a state of maximum readiness and that even Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot had ordered the beefing up of forces in the south.
These public accounts were directed at Hamas leaders since the assessment was that Hamas is preparing for a military engagement with Israel. Last week, the IDF was informed of a Hamas maneuver in which it deployed its special forces along the length of the border, perhaps readying itself for incursions into Israel; this might have been the red light for Israel’s security system. It is also possible that the exercise was only to “show the Israelis” what will happen if there will be no change in Gaza’s situation.
This week, Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar gave an interview to Italian reporter Francesca Borri with the La Republica newspaper. In a very unusual move, the interview was also published in the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth on Oct. 5 in order to deliver the message to the Israeli leadership. “A new war is in no one's interest, certainly not our interest. … [But] in the current situation, an explosion is inevitable,” Sinwar was quoted as saying. He also presented his demands for the removal of the blockade. For example, he demands an alternative source of assistance now that aid from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency has been cut back.
Hamas — and Israel too — wants to avert the next war; each side urges the other party to be patient and willing to compromise. Hamas presses on Israel to open the blockade on Gaza very soon, and Israel signals Hamas that despite the fact that an arrangement between the sides does not seem feasible at this time, Israel is making efforts to offer other concessions. Al-Monitor found out that messages in this vein were delivered to Gaza via Palestinian merchants who work with Israel. These Palestinians were told that Israel is looking for a way to promote economic projects in the Strip.
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