IDF intelligence file reveals details of Hamas chief's targeted killing

Israeli intelligence considered Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a top Hamas commander, to be extremely cautious, bordering on paranoid. He consistently avoided sleeping in the same place twice and meticulously implemented tactical decisions for terrorist operations against Israel. Despite being a long-term target for the IDF and Shin Bet, he evaded capture for years.

His downfall came when he emerged above ground to meet his family in a Gaza City apartment, believing he was safe from Israeli intelligence. This proved to be his final mistake. The targeted killing of al-Haddad, who had become the de facto commander of Hamas's military wing and its leader in the Gaza Strip, has been revealed through an exclusive look into the military intelligence behind the operation.

A significant turning point in the Gaza Strip, according to the IDF Intelligence Directorate, occurred even before the ceasefire agreement brokered by then-US President Donald Trump. This shift was marked by a series of compromises from Hamas's leadership, a direct result of intense pressure exerted by the IDF on the ground. This pressure, according to a Military Intelligence assessment, had weakened Hamas considerably, leading to a policy reversal.

However, the situation has changed. Hamas has reportedly expanded its support base among the Palestinian population in Gaza during the ceasefire, describing it as "stable." Despite this, Military Intelligence emphasizes that the threat from Gaza has significantly decreased due to the IDF's successes and Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor's focus on maintaining these gains through targeted killings and proactive operations. These efforts are supported by Military Intelligence units and ground deployments along the border.