Shin Bet warns Hamas is preparing attacks ahead of Israel's 27 October election

Intelligence warning ahead of the vote

Israeli domestic security agency Shin Bet presented an intelligence warning to ministers during a closed-door political-military cabinet meeting. Shin Bet director David Zini briefed government officials that Hamas is intensifying efforts to execute a complex assault or a targeted operation to kidnap soldiers. Intelligence assessments indicate the militant group seeks to execute the operation near the 27 October national elections or in the days immediately following the vote. The planned operations aim to generate media impact, alter the domestic political calendar, and affect conditions on the ground. Zini stated that Hamas retains the capacity to conduct lethal actions inside Israel despite sustained military campaigns. Intelligence reports also noted that Hamas is exploring operational coordination with external allies aligned with Iran, specifically mentioning Houthi forces operating from Yemen.

Casualties and border tunnel clearance

During the cabinet session, military leaders reviewed tactical operations and casualty metrics across the conflict zone. Military Intelligence Directorate head Shlomi Binder provided updated assessments regarding fighters who took part in the cross-border attack three years ago. Defense Minister Israel Katz relayed the intelligence findings to the Times of Israel, detailing the number of participants neutralized.

Six thousand terrorists crossed the border with Israel on October 7 and carried out those atrocities. Of these, 4,000 have been killed so far, while another 2,000 are still alive.

The briefing covered recent strikes, including a Saturday operation directed at senior Hamas figure Ali al-Amoudi in Gaza, with military intelligence noting that the outcome of that strike is still being evaluated. Regarding infrastructure along the Gaza perimeter, the head of army operations reported that military units have cleared 95% of the tunnels identified between the Yellow Line and the border. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that Israeli defense forces remain in continuous prevention mode to preempt cross-border actions.

Strategic aims and diplomatic friction

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the cabinet to reiterate that Israel will not alter its strategic goals in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu emphasized that the complete elimination and total disarmament of Hamas remain mandatory conditions before Israel permits the implementation of phase two of the peace plan designed by the Board of Peace, a framework currently stalled due to Tel Aviv's veto.

We are hitting them hard and we will continue to hit them, but our goal is elimination.

The security warnings coincided with international tensions and domestic political friction. In the United Kingdom, the government of Andy Burnham threatened to expel 27 Israeli diplomats after Israeli authorities decided to close the British consulate in Jerusalem. Domestically, the intelligence briefing arrives before the anniversary of the 7 October attacks, during ongoing debate inside Israel regarding the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into past security failures.