Hamas dictates battle pace: Ex-Israeli anti-air force chief
2 Min Read
Speaking to Israeli Channel 12, Zvika Haimovich makes several remarks about ongoing developments.
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Al-Qassam Brigades fighters attend the funeral of a border security guard Nidal al-Jaafari in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Palestine, on August 17, 2017. (AP)
Hamas sets the pace and the rhythm of the battle in the Gaza Strip, the former chief of the Israeli Anti-air Force, Zvika Haimovich, told Israeli Channel 12.
On the ongoing mediated talks for a ceasefire and prisoners exchange deal, Haimovich pointed to the fact that the Palestinian Resistance maintains the edge in these negotiations, as the proposals are being presented to its representatives rather than the Israeli ones. According to Haimovich, this gives the Palestinians the final say in these proposals.
"We propose [deals], and ultimately, they decide," indicating that "this is part of the psychological [warfare] used by Hamas."
He continued, "Hamas challenges us as much as possible, as it sees the internal disagreements that exist [between Israelis]. This serves its narrative, raises the price, and puts it in a position of power."
Read more: Israeli special forces platoon commander killed in northern Gaza Strip
Haimovich's remarks come in the context of an expected response from the Palestinian Resistance to a proposal for a prisoners exchange deal and a momentary ceasefire delivered by mediators, in what has become known as the Paris Document.
The head of Hamas' Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, is expected to deliver a unified response that represents Palestinian Resistance factions to Egyptian officials in the coming days. The Resistance has affirmed through multiple statements and interviews conducted by top-ranking officials that an internationally guaranteed ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip will be the prerequisite to any prisoner exchange deal.
In the meantime, Resistance fighters continue to deal the occupation's military heavy blows across the Gaza Strip. The most recently released list of killed soldiers and officers included Major Yitzhar Hoffman, a platoon leader in the special forces Shaldag Unit.
A recently released video by al-Qassam Brigades' military media has highlighted the capabilities of Palestinian Resistance fighters who are well-versed in urban warfare. In the video, one of the fighters who had just targeted multiple Israeli armored vehicles details how he and his comrades "confused the enemies", after utilizing multiple tunnel entry points located to the west of Khan Younis.
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