Hamas sees demilitarization talks as strategy to 'trap Israel,' Zini warns security cabinet

Shin Bet Director David Zini has cautioned Israel's security cabinet that Hamas perceives the demilitarization agreement with the Board of Peace not as a path to genuine disarmament, but as a strategic maneuver to "trap Israel." Sources familiar with the meeting revealed Zini's assessment that Hamas intends to use the agreement to constrain Israel's military freedom of action.

According to Zini, Hamas's strategy involves delaying the process while observing political shifts in Israel, particularly anticipating upcoming elections. "They are dragging their feet," he reportedly told ministers, indicating a wait-and-see approach based on future political outcomes. This assessment emerged as ministers debated a proposed roadmap for Gaza's demilitarization and post-war arrangements.

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Hamas believes it should have pursued the demilitarization agreement with the Board of Peace in order to 'trap Israel.'

In parallel discussions, cabinet ministers advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against initiating a proposed 14-day "preparatory period for demilitarization." This phase would reportedly require Israel to cease targeted killings of Hamas operatives, a step ministers urged the government to avoid.

The meeting also clarified Israel's stance on the Board of Peace initiative. Officials indicated that Israel has neither formally signed nor approved the demilitarization roadmap. Furthermore, a separate document concerning the deployment of a multinational force in Gaza remains unsigned due to numerous Israeli objections, some of which were publicly outlined by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Settlements Minister Orit Strock.

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They are dragging their feet. They are waiting for the elections, and then they will see what happens.