Hamas seeks to rebuild as Israel navigates between Trump and Likud voters

Military analyst Ron Ben-Yishai reports from the field in Gaza that the IDF has established 42 advanced outposts along the 'Yellow Line,' now controlling 64% of the Gaza Strip. These fortifications, equipped with radar and optical technology, are designed to prevent surprise attacks and dominate the surrounding areas. According to reports, approximately 85% of underground infrastructure in Israeli-controlled areas has been destroyed or neutralized.

While the IDF continues targeted operations against Hamas commanders, the group is attempting to maintain control over the civilian population by leveraging humanitarian aid and tax collection. Hamas, seeking to rebuild its military capabilities, faces significant challenges, including clashes with local clan militias that oppose its rule in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is walking a tightrope between pressure from Donald Trump's administration to implement a 20-point plan and the demands of his coalition's right-wing members, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Israel's stated goal remains 'total victory' and the disarmament of Hamas, yet it simultaneously faces pressure from Washington to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Reconstruction plans known as 'Green Gaza,' pursued by the Trump team and the American headquarters in Kiryat Gat, remain in the early stages. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains that it will not withdraw from its positions until Hamas is fully disarmed and asserts its right to take military action to prevent the group from rebuilding its combat capabilities.