In an unexpected development following a targeted Israeli airstrike believed to have killed Hamas military chief Mohammad Deif and his deputy, the militant group has shown unexpected and uncharacteristic restraint.
The absence of long-range rocket attacks on southern and central Israel, a response many analysts anticipated, has left observers puzzling over Hamas' current position and strategy.
Israeli defense officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the operation, noted that pre-strike discussions led by the Defense Minister and Chief of Staff had prepared for extensive rocket fire from both Gaza and potentially Lebanon. The strike, which reportedly also eliminated Rafa'a Salameh, a key Hamas figure in Khan Younis, along with numerous operatives, was expected to provoke a significant retaliation.
Several factors may be contributing to Hamas' restrained response, according to regional experts. One possibility is the group's reluctance to implicitly confirm Deif's death by launching an immediate large-scale attack. Sources close to the matter suggest that if Deif was indeed killed, his body has been discreetly moved to a hospital, with Hamas maintaining official silence on his fate.
Another critical factor could be the extensive damage inflicted on Hamas' rocket capabilities during recent conflicts. "The group's infrastructure and manpower have been significantly depleted, particularly due to Israeli ground operations in Gaza," said a senior Israeli military analyst, speaking on background. This weakened position might be forcing Hamas to reconsider its traditional retaliatory tactics.
As Israel continues to assert its belief in the operation's success, the lack of immediate retaliation from Hamas presents a complex scenario. This restraint could signal a strategic shift within the organization, potentially driven by diminished capabilities or a reassessment of its approach to the ongoing conflict.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this silence represents a temporary pause or a more fundamental change in Hamas' operational strategy. Meanwhile, Israeli forces remain on high alert, prepared for any potential delayed response from the militant group.
* Channel 12 contributed to this article.
