Hamas hardens stance with US envoys

Senior IDF officers warned that the terrorist group is in the process of rebuilding in Gaza.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Aryeh Lightstone, an adviser to envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s Peace Council, has met in recent months with Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, Khalil al-Hayya as part of negotiations aimed at disarming Hamas, Kan 11 reported Monday.

The meetings were held as part of a series of negotiations organized by Peace Council Director General Nikolai Mladenov.

Israeli sources said the discussions, which were intended to focus on disarming the terrorist group, have become increasingly difficult as Hamas has adopted a tougher position than in previous rounds of talks.

Responding to the report, a Peace Council source told Kan 11 that “it is well known that in recent months, the Peace Council and its mediators have held several rounds of negotiations with the aim of agreeing on a roadmap for disarmament in Gaza.”

“We are continuing diplomatic efforts to secure this goal while finalizing the formulation of steps related to promoting governance, the rule of law, security, reconstruction and economic development in Gaza,” the source continued.

The negotiations are taking place as Israeli military officials have warned that Hamas is rebuilding its military capabilities rather than disarming.

Earlier this week, Kan News reported that senior officers in the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate and Southern Command warned Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir that Hamas’ military wing is preparing for another round of fighting.

According to the report, Hamas is manufacturing hundreds of explosive devices and anti-tank missiles each month, recruiting fighters between the ages of 18 and 22, resuming training for its Nukhba force operatives, attempting to smuggle drones and communications equipment from the Sinai Peninsula, and rebuilding underground infrastructure across the Gaza Strip.

The officers also told Zamir, “Hamas is strong on the ground, no one is threatening it, and the organization is not prepared to give up control of Gaza.”

Kan News also reported that the IDF has informed American officials of its position that fighting should resume. Washington, however, opposes a return to combat and instead seeks to preserve the current situation created by the agreement while continuing to advance President Trump’s vision and the Peace Council.