Executive Director Amos Yadlin of the Institute for National Strategic Studies said on Sunday, that the government "still lacks a strategic political goal in its dealings with Gaza - it operates somewhere in between "toppling Hamas" and "preserving it as the responsible address in Gaza."
Writing on Twitter, the retired head of military intelligence also said, "If the ceasefire understandings did not include a Hamas commitment to stop its arson attacks and border fence challenges - another round of fighting is under way. My assessment is that a prolonged period of calm in the south can be achieved only through a combination of tougher action against Hamas's military wing and somewhat alleviating the humanitarian situation and promoting infrastructure projects in Gaza." He concluded, "Today it isnt possible to reach an agreement with Hamas on terms that are acceptable to us,in particular regarding its military buildup.Hamas's weapons wont rust but its arsenal will only grow and improved under any hudna/ceasefire that is not securely airtight."