Daily Alert

A “Joint Operations Room” in Gaza – the New Factor in the Balance of Power in Gaza

Hamas brings all Gaza terrorist organizations under its cloak
Share this
Public Relations promotion saying, “Death is coming”
Public Relations promotion saying, “Death is coming” in Hebrew and Arabic, published by the Joint Operations Room (Twitter, @JTruzman)

Table of Contents

While both Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire on November 14, 2018, we nevertheless experienced the worst round of military confrontation in the four years since Operation Protective Edge in 2014. Hamas was clearly the aggressor.

What went wrong, and where we are heading?

Immediately after an Israeli intelligence operation in Gaza failed on November 11, 2018, Hamas constrained its reaction. In its statements, there was no sign that they were planning the massive rocket launch that ensued during the afternoon and evening of November 12.

Two major components of the Hamas’ mode of operation led it to trigger this round of rockets. One is psychological: the sense of pride and dignity is also a core element of Hamas’ prestige and is necessary to keep it in power. Ramallah ridiculed Hamas for selling its dignity for a handful of Qatari dollars. This “dignity” element may prove to be a major problem even after the current round of hostilities stopped.

The second element is political – the establishment of a “joint operations room” for Hamas and the other “organizations” to run the show.

Public Relations promotion saying, “Death is coming”
Public Relations promotion saying, “Death is coming” in Hebrew and Arabic, published by the Joint Operations Room (Twitter, @JTruzman)

Joint Operations Means Consolidation to Change the PLO

This joint operations room is vital for Hamas to take its future steps – to establish a new PLO that will assume the role of the old organization currently under Fatah leadership. Right now, organizations including the Popular Front and the Democratic Front already boycott Ramallah’s PLO. It is necessary for Hamas to get them onto its side by heeding them and accepting their point of view in earnest. Additionally, there is the Iranian-supported Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which was never part of the PLO, but during Arafat’s time, PIJ respected him and cooperated with him, as opposed to Hamas.

This gave Islamic Jihad a strong say in managing the current situation, and it was a key component in the latest military deterioration. This gives Iran a better position in decision-making in Gaza.

But this joint operations room is also a double-edged sword for Islamic Jihad. As the governing power in Gaza, Hamas is still interested in achieving stabilization. After the current round of hostilities, Hamas can come to Islamic Jihad and say: “We gave you the military round you wanted. Now give us stabilization.” This backs Islamic Jihad into a corner where they cannot say no, and the same goes for the other organizations that are close to Syria and Iran.

So, what comes next? The danger of further deterioration is real, and Israel must renew its deterrence. Absurdly, a heavy blow to Hamas may help its leader Yahya Sinwar control the organizations that he so badly needs for his plans to both build a new PLO and get them agree to achieve the aspired stabilization after all.

Pinhas Inbari

Pinhas Inbari is a veteran Arab affairs correspondent who formerly reported for Israel Radio and <em>Al Hamishmar</em> newspaper, and currently serves as an analyst for the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs.
Share this

Subscribe to Daily Alert

The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Related Items

Stay Informed, Always

Get the latest news, insights, and updates directly in your inbox—be the first to know!

Subscribe to Jerusalem Issue Briefs
The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.







Notifications

The Jerusalem Center
What makes a child believe killing a #Jew is justified?

In PA textbooks, Jews are called liars and frauds; their fate: elimination. This is #indoctrination—not #education. But change is happening. On East to West, @IMPACT_SE CEO Marcus Sheff exposes how #UNRWA-funded schools are fueling extremism—and what real reform looks like.  Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2JHqh973U  Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/8OkJTGNfVUc

11:43am
The Jerusalem Center
Highlights from the @Jerusalem_Post Annual Conference in NYC:

Dr. @Dan_Diker, President of the JCFA: “October 7 wasn’t just an attack on Israel — it was a blow to the U.S. on Israeli soil. It demands moral clarity and a united front between Israel and the U.S. to defeat jihadist terror.”

2:20pm
The Jerusalem Center
@XAVIAERD says it like it is

Well, @XAVIAERD says it like it is: If you’re part of “#Queers for #Palestine,” he’ll pay for your flight to #Gaza. Go see for yourself how they treat LGBTQ+ people over there. Don’t miss this bold take on the Israel-Hamas war and the woke right.

2:32pm
The Jerusalem Center
“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.”

“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.” On Our Middle East by @JNS_org, @Dan_Diker@KhaledAbuToameh (JCFA/@GatestoneInst) break it down: If Hamas isn’t crushed, Iran wins. The jihadis—from #Gaza to your campus—get the green light. Diker: “This war is for the West.” No fluff. No filters. Just raw insight from two insiders who actually know what’s going on.  Watch: youtu.be/4Aq_zcbb4Yo

2:15pm
The Jerusalem Center
5/5 Lt. Col. Kalo on East to West with @smartinezamir:

“This operation showcases Israel’s strategic intelligence superiority both regionally and globally. It demonstrates the moral commitment to recovered soldiers and also strengthens Israel’s position with allies.” youtube.com/watch?v=nIvNNi

2:07pm
The Jerusalem Center
4/5 The operation built on intelligence gathered during the 2019 #Baumel recovery

#Mossad agents operated under cover in #Syria for years, visiting a graveyard multiple times under fire to collect remains for DNA matching. The intelligence community’s evolution combines technology, big data analysis, and human intelligence capabilities.

2:02pm
The Jerusalem Center
3/5 This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from #Hamas in #Gaza, significantly boosting national morale amid an ongoing conflict now stretching over 18 months. The dual successes demonstrate #Israel‘s unwavering commitment to bringing all soldiers home.

1:58pm
The Jerusalem Center
2/5 The operation used the power vacuum following #Assad’s fall from #Damascus

Lt. Col. Avi Kalo, former head of IDF Prisoners & Missing Persons Division, calls it “an outstanding event that brings hope and new spirit to the people of Israel.” The operation utilized the power vacuum following #Assad‘s fall from #Damascus, allowing #Israeli intelligence to deploy ground capabilities in #Syria.

1:56pm
The Jerusalem Center
1/5 Israeli forces recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi Feldman

In an unprecedented operation, Israeli forces have recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi #Feldman, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub. The complex #Mossad mission was conducted deep within #Syrian territory, 43 years after his disappearance. This follows the successful 2019 recovery of Zachary #Baumel from the same battle.

1:54pm
The Jerusalem Center
A molotov attack on a bus = a “barbecue party”?

That’s what #Palestinian kids are being taught under @UNRWA  — from grade school to graduation. This isn’t education. It’s indoctrination. Marcus Sheff of @IMPACT_SE  breaks it down with @smartinezamir

12:51pm

Close