IDF chief Zamir delivers stark assessment in closed Gaza b

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz during a closed security briefing this month that Hamas has been “defeated” and is now a “defeated organization,” even as Military Intelligence warned that the terror group is still trying to rebuild its strength in Gaza. Zamir made the remarks during a visit by Israel’s political leadership to the Gaza Division earlier this month, as senior officers presented assessments of Hamas’ current military and governing capabilities. During the discussion, Brig. Gen. Ofir Mizrahi, head of the Research Division in the IDF Intelligence Directorate, warned that Hamas was still trying to restore its rule in areas under its control, recruit personnel and rebuild its military capabilities. “We identify a desire by Hamas to renew governance in the Red Line area, recruit people, build up its strength and restore its capabilities,” Mizrahi said.