Analyst Walaa Abdel Mardi, a specialist in Israeli affairs, has stated that the recent wave of Israeli assassinations in the Gaza Strip, including the killing of Azzi al-Din, commander of the Hamas militant group's northern Gaza brigade, cannot be viewed as isolated military events. Rather, they are closely tied to Israel's current political climate. The assassinations reflect Israel's ongoing efforts to disrupt Hamas's command structure and hinder its ability to reorganize militarily.
According to Abdel Mardi, the timing of the assassinations is significant, as Israel is on the cusp of a critical election, with the Knesset set to vote on October 27, 2026. This election marks the first major test of the government's popularity since the October 7, 2023, Al-Aqsa Storm operation and the subsequent war and internal crisis that severely eroded public trust in the Israeli government.
The analyst emphasized that Prime Minister Netanyahu will likely use the assassinations as a key component of his election campaign. His primary objective is to restore Israel's deterrence capabilities and address the widespread perception of insecurity that has plagued the country since the Al-Aqsa Storm operation.
By carrying out high-profile assassinations, Netanyahu aims to demonstrate his ability to protect Israel and its citizens, thereby countering criticism of his government's handling of security issues. This approach allows him to present himself as a strong leader who can ensure the nation's safety, a crucial aspect of his re-election bid.
Abdel Mardi noted that each successful assassination provides Netanyahu with valuable political capital, enabling him to send a clear message to voters. This development is particularly significant given the renewed focus on warnings and intelligence related to potential threats preceding the October 7, 2023, operation.
The analyst's comments come on the heels of Netanyahu's recent speech at the United Nations, in which he portrayed Israel as being engaged in a multifaceted conflict, with Hamas at the forefront. He vowed to continue targeting the group and defended Israel's military strategy in Gaza, rejecting allegations of wrongdoing.
The assassination of the Hamas commander, which occurred just days after Netanyahu's UN speech, can be seen as an effort to translate his rhetoric into tangible action, further solidifying his security credentials and bolstering his election campaign.
Key points
- Netanyahu is attempting to use the assassinations to demonstrate his ability to protect Israel and its citizens.
- The recent wave of assassinations is closely tied to Israel's current political climate, particularly the upcoming election.
- The analyst believes that Netanyahu will use the assassinations as a key component of his election campaign.
