Israeli military experts weigh in on Trump’s ‘all hell’ threat to Hamas and what it could look like

TEL AVIV, Israel — As the first phase of the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement nears completion, Israel is mulling its next steps against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to unleash "hell" unless all the hostages are released.
The situation in Gaza remains fraught with tension as the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas approaches its end. Israeli military experts have warned that if the ceasefire collapses, the resumption of full-scale war is inevitable. Maj. Gen. Yaakov Amidror, a former Israeli National Security Council chief, emphasized that Hamas is well-aware of the consequences of breaking the truce, as Israel is prepared to deploy overwhelming force to end the conflict once and for all. Amidror noted that Hamas’s reluctance to violate the ceasefire thus far stems from its understanding that it is unprepared for a full-blown war. This sentiment was echoed by other experts, who believe that Israel’s military might, coupled with its ability to concentrate forces in Gaza, could lead to a decisive victory against the militant group.

RUBIO, NETANYAHU AFFIRM ‘COMMON STRATEGY’ FOR GAZA, SET SIGHTS ON IRAN IN JOINT STATEMENT
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem, where they reaffirmed their shared strategy for addressing the situation in Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that the “gates of hell” would open if all Israeli hostages held by Hamas are not returned. Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a former IDF spokesperson, concurred with Netanyahu’s assessment, stating that Hamas’s refusal to release the hostages, combined with the current political climate in the Middle East and Trump’s willingness to take bold action, will likely necessitate the resumption of military operations in Gaza. Conricus added that Israel’s next offensive would aim to defeat Hamas decisively and take full control of the Gaza Strip. He also highlighted that Israel would seek to disrupt Hamas’s ability to distribute humanitarian aid, which he described as the group’s “center of gravity.”

ISRAEL PREPARES FOR A POTENTIAL RESUMPTION OF WAR IN GAZA
The Israeli military has already begun mobilizing troops and reservists in the Southern Command to prepare for “any scenario” that may arise from the collapse of the ceasefire. Experts have offered insights into the potential military strategies Israel might employ in the next round of fighting. Maj. Gen. Tamir Hayman, a former head of the IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate, noted that Hamas’s missile capabilities have been significantly depleted, with its long-range missiles reduced to “minor” capabilities and mid-range missiles likely fewer than 100. However, Hayman acknowledged that Hamas still poses a threat with its short-range weapons, such as mortars and drones.
Amos Yadlin, a former IDF military intelligence chief, pointed out the stark reality that Israel has been effectively keeping Hamas alive by allowing the delivery of food, fuel, and other essential supplies into Gaza. He also highlighted the shift in U.S. policy under the Trump administration, which has lifted restrictions on the sale of heavy bombs to Israel. This change has emboldened Israel’s military planners, who are now considering more aggressive tactics, such as using 2,000-pound MK-84 munitions and deploying bulldozers to destroy Hamas infrastructure.

TRUMP’S GAZA RELOCATION PROPOSAL SPARKS HEATED DEBATE AMONG PALESTINIANS: ‘NO LIFE LEFT HERE’
President Trump’s recent proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza has sparked intense controversy, with many Palestinians rejecting the idea outright. Trump’s vow to support Israel in transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East” has been met with skepticism, as critics argue that such a vision is unrealistic without addressing the root causes of the conflict. However, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have embraced Trump’s rhetoric, viewing it as a sign of unwavering U.S. support for Israel’s military objectives.
Maj. Gen. Giora Eiland, a former head of the Israeli National Security Council, warned that Israel must focus on cutting off all supplies to Gaza to exert maximum pressure on Hamas to release the hostages. Eiland stressed that this is the only measure capable of inducing real fear among Hamas leaders and potentially forcing them to negotiate. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Yossi Kuperwasser, a former head of research in the IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate, suggested that Israel might adopt a new strategy in the next round of fighting: maintaining long-term control over key areas in Gaza to prevent Hamas from regrouping and ruling over the population.

ISRAEL’S UN AMBASSADOR SLAMS PALESTINIAN PLAN FOR GAZA, DEMANDS PA FIRST ‘CONDEMN HAMAS’
As tensions rise, Israel’s United Nations Ambassador has criticized Palestinian plans for Gaza, insisting that the Palestinian Authority must first condemn Hamas before any meaningful progress can be made. This demand underscores Israel’s broader strategy of isolating Hamas diplomatically while maintaining military pressure. Netanyahu has also sought to rally international support for Israel’s position, meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Meir Ben Shabbat, head of the Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy and a former head of the Israeli National Security Council, emphasized that Israel’s ultimate goal must be the collapse of Hamas rule, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the creation of conditions that prevent the enclave from posing a threat to Israeli citizens. Ben Shabbat stressed that achieving these objectives will require Israel to resume fighting at a time of its choosing, suggesting that the current pause is merely a strategic interlude rather than a permanent solution.

THE BROADER IMPLICATIONS OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT
The conflict in Gaza is increasingly intertwined with broader regional dynamics, particularly the growing competition between the U.S. and Iran for influence in the Middle East. Netanyahu and Rubio’s joint statement affirming a “common strategy” for Gaza, coupled with their stated intention to focus on Iran, highlights the dual nature of Israel’s security challenges. While the immediate focus remains on Gaza, Israeli strategists are acutely aware of the need to address the longer-term threats posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its proxies across the region.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, Israel’s military and political leaders are under immense pressure to deliver a decisive outcome that ensures the release of hostages, weakens Hamas, and stabilizes the region. However, the path forward is fraught with risks, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will have far-reaching consequences for both Israel and the wider Middle East.