With Abu Obaida Gone: This is the IDF’s Next Move Against Hamas Leaders

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir led a situational assessment at Northern Command, outlining the military’s ongoing operations and future plans following the targeted elimination of Hudhaifa Kahlout, known as Abu Obaida, the head of Hamas’ military wing propaganda apparatus. The meeting, attended by key figures including Commander of Northern Command Major General Rafi Milo, Head of the Intelligence Directorate Major General Shlomi Binder, Head of the Planning Directorate Major General Eyal Harel, Head of the Operations Directorate Major General Itzik Cohen, and other senior commanders, focused on the operational intelligence picture and strategic objectives.

Zamir emphasized the IDF’s aggressive stance, stating, “The IDF is operating offensively, with initiative and operational superiority, across all arenas and at all times. In the Gaza Strip, yesterday we struck one of Hamas’ senior leaders, Abu Obaida, after most of Hamas’ leadership had already been eliminated. Our actions are not yet complete, most of the remaining Hamas’ leadership is abroad, and we will reach them as well. This step joins a series of significant IDF strikes in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and other arenas. We are surprising, acting with initiative, and reaching every target in order to ensure the security of Israeli civilians.”

The operation to eliminate Abu Obaida, conducted jointly by the IDF and Shin Bet, relied on precise intelligence pinpointing his hideout in western Gaza City. Abu Obaida, a key figure in Hamas’ propaganda efforts since before October 7, 2023, orchestrated psychological terror campaigns, disseminating footage of the October 7 massacre and incitement videos across the Arab world to encourage further terrorism.

Zamir also highlighted ongoing efforts to recover hostages, noting, “We are continuing our efforts and operations to return all the hostages, both living and fallen. In recent days, in a special operation, the bodies of hostages Idan Shtivi and Ilan Weiss were recovered. Since the beginning of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ in March of this year, the bodies of ten hostages have been recovered, in addition to Idan Alexander.” Operation Gideon’s Chariots, launched to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure and secure hostages, has intensified pressure on the group, with Zamir affirming, “We will continue to act decisively to bring them back and will spare no effort, this is our moral mission.”

Addressing broader regional dynamics, Zamir noted, “The IDF's Northern Command continues to strike and dismantle emerging threats. This is the approach, we do not wait.” He also acknowledged the return of students to schools in northern Israel, stating, “Tomorrow, a large part of the students in Israel will begin the new school year, and some residents of the north will return to school for the first time since the start of the war. The return to studies is made possible thanks to the activities of the troops and the achievements since the beginning of the war, activities that continue even at this very moment.” Zamir expressed confidence in reservists reporting for duty to advance operations in Gaza City, saying, “The mission is not yet complete, and I trust that they will arrive and carry it out in the best possible way.”

The elimination of Abu Obaida follows a series of IDF successes, including strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as a part of Israel’s multi-front strategy against Iranian proxies. The IDF’s focus remains on defeating Hamas, securing hostages, and ensuring long-term security for Israeli communities.