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

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.

Fox News Digital spoke to Israeli military experts to see how they viewed what would be in store for Hamas if the ceasefire deal collapses.

“The only alternative is the resumption of the war in Gaza with all the forces that can be allocated,” Maj. Gen. Yaakov Amidror (res.), a former Israeli National Security Council chief and currently a fellow at the Washington-based JINSA think tank, told Fox News Digital.

“Because we have a ceasefire in Lebanon, we can use huge forces inside Gaza to end Hamas. This is one of the reasons why Hamas didn’t break the truce until now, they understand the alternative is a full-blown war for which they are not ready,” he added.

The Philadelphi Corridor

Israeli combat engineers have worked to destroy terrorist targets and locate terrorist tunnels in the “Philadelphia Corridor” along a small strip of land at the border between Egypt and Gaza. (TPS-IL/File)

“In terms of Hamas’s long-range missiles, the current capabilities are minor, if at all. Mid-range was probably reduced to approximately less than 100 total, and for short-range capabilities such as mortars and drones, it’s hard to estimate,” he told Fox News Digital.

Hayman agrees that “all hell” might entail President Donald Trump giving carte blanche to Israel to use 2,000-pound bombs or greater leeway to demolish swaths of territory using bulldozers and other heavy machinery to prevent Hamas from regenerating.

Israel might also change its fighting strategy to ensure Hamas is no longer able to regroup by retaking territory evacuated by troops in Gaza, according to Brig. Gen. Yossi Kuperwasser (res.), a former head of research in the IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate.

“Israel could mount an attack in a different way than we saw till now. Instead of taking control of areas and then leaving them, we would keep control, minimizing Hamas’s ability to rule over the population in Gaza and thus its ability to survive,” he told Fox News Digital.

gaza

Palestinians return to their homes in Gaza City, Feb. 2, 2025, after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. (Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The long-term presence of Israeli boots on the ground would likely be a precondition for actualizing Trump’s vow to “take over” and transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” an assertion Trump made alongside Netanyahu at the White House on Feb. 4.

Meir Ben Shabbat, head of the Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy and former head of the Israeli National Security Council, told Fox News Digital that Israel must push for “the collapse of Hamas rule, the demilitarization of Gaza and the creation of conditions to prevent this area from posing a threat to the security of Israeli citizens.”

He said these conditions are “essential to ensure that this round of fighting will be the last,” he added. “To achieve this, Israel will have to resume fighting at a time that suits it.”

On Sunday, Netanyahu informed special envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting that he would convene the Security Cabinet on Monday to discuss phase 2 of the agreement.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chef of San Francisco restaurant steps down after TikTok influencer says he made her cry

San Francisco Restaurant Chef Resigns Following TikTok Influencer’s Emotional Post

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – A new wine bar in San Francisco has…
What MLK Jr. files have been released, and what have we learned?

What Files on MLK Jr. Have Been Released and What Insights Do They Offer?

() The Trump administration recently released more than 230,000 files related to…
Hulk Hogan's death resurfaces painful contradictions for Black wrestling fans

The Death of Hulk Hogan Highlights Difficult Contradictions for Black Wrestling Fans

One of Kazeem Famuyide’s earliest memories is sitting on his father’s lap…
Nick Kurtz of Athletics becomes 1st MLB rookie to hit 4 homers in a game, matches total base record

Nick Kurtz Sets MLB Record as First Rookie to Hit Four Home Runs in a Single Game, Ties Total Base Record

HOUSTON (AP) — Nick Kurtz already had three homers and five hits…
Alabama inmate's execution stayed to determine if he is competent enough to be put to death

Alabama inmate’s execution stayed to determine if he is competent enough to be put to death

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A judge in Alabama…
Jessica Alba packs on PDA with beau Danny Ramirez outside his home

Jessica Alba Shares Affectionate Moment with Boyfriend Danny Ramirez Outside of His House

Jessica Alba’s sizzling new romance with Top Gun: Maverick star Danny Ramirez…
Why Ozzy Osbourne's first wife has airbrushed the star from her life

How Ozzy Osbourne’s Ex-Wife Has Erased Him from Her Life

As the central figure of the reality TV show The Osbournes—known for…
Jury hears wife's last words in Colorado dentist poisoning case: 'Why do I hurt?'

Jury Listens to Wife’s Final Words in Colorado Dentist Poisoning Trial: ‘Why Am I in Pain?’

CENTENNIAL (KDVR) The brother of the woman who was allegedly murdered by…