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Israeli Army Leaning Towards Calming Situation With Hamas, Shin Bet Supports Return of PA to Gaza

Israeli security forces stand in Jerusalem’s Old City, March 18, 2018. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Israeli security forces stand in Jerusalem’s Old City, March 18, 2018. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
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Israeli Army Leaning Towards Calming Situation With Hamas, Shin Bet Supports Return of PA to Gaza

Israeli security forces stand in Jerusalem’s Old City, March 18, 2018. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Israeli security forces stand in Jerusalem’s Old City, March 18, 2018. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

Israel has sent a new threat message to Hamas, stating that it will not hesitate to face the launch of incendiary balloons from the Gaza Strip, even if this leads to a new confrontation.

According to media reports, Israel informed Hamas through a third party, that if it continues to fire incendiary and explosive balloons, there will be a response, regardless of its implications.

Israeli Channel 12 reported that the security and military establishment was currently studying Hamas’ intentions and whether the movement really wanted to reach a truce agreement or not.

The Israeli army and the Shin Bet security service have disagreements over this issue, as the army pushes towards patience and supports reaching an agreement; while the Shin Bet apparently believes that the movement may increase escalatory measures, including the launching of balloons.

The head of the Shin Bet security service, Nadav Argaman, warned the members of the mini cabinet against the consequences of maintaining financial pressure on the Palestinian Authority, while the Israeli government was working to empower Hamas. He said that the PA was a partner in combating “terrorism”, and its stability was an Israeli interest.

“There is a need to avoid any path to destabilize it [the PA]; instead, it is important to strengthen its security apparatus,” Argaman was quoted as saying.

The Shin Bet chief recommended that a settlement be reached with the Authority, which he said would allow for its gradual return to the Gaza Strip.

The Shin Bet warned against responding to Hamas’ military activities in a way that could be interpreted as a “weakness in front of terrorism,” adding that the movement was not serious about reaching a truce agreement.

The Israeli Army, on the other hand, supports the adoption of a calm approach and regards the launching of incendiary balloons as temporary.

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Sudani: Syrian President’s Presence at Baghdad Summit Important for All

Photo showing Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad (right), Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara (INA)
Photo showing Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad (right), Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara (INA)
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Sudani: Syrian President’s Presence at Baghdad Summit Important for All

Photo showing Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad (right), Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara (INA)
Photo showing Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad (right), Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara (INA)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has stressed the importance of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s participation in the upcoming Arab League summit, calling it a key step toward announcing a “new vision” for Syria.

Baghdad will host the 34th Arab League Summit on May 17, amid converging views over al-Sharaa’s invitation. Speaking in an interview with US journalist Tim Constantine, Sudani said the summit represents more than a ceremonial gathering.

“Iraq is not just a host - we’re taking the initiative to offer solutions to the region’s crises,” he said.

Sudani described his invitation to al-Sharaa as in line with the Arab League’s established protocol.

“Regardless of the political dynamics or nature of the transition in Syria, al-Sharaa is the official representative of the Syrian state. His presence is crucial to express Syria’s perspective on its future,” he stated.

“Syria is a cornerstone for Arab security and stability,” he added. “We are committed to supporting its recovery, political stability, and reconstruction.”

While some factions in Iraq’s Coordination Framework political alliance initially objected to al-Sharaa’s invitation - especially after Sudani met him in Doha in the presence of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad - opposition appears to be softening. The alliance has since declared its support for the summit, stating that attendance by Arab leaders is a government matter.

With just weeks until the summit, Sudani sought to shift international perceptions of Iraq. “Iraq is not a war zone,” he said. “The situation on the ground is far more stable - people in Baghdad are out late at night, and over $88 billion in investment has flowed in, including a major oil deal with British Petroleum in Kirkuk.”

He further pointed that tourism, too, was on the rise.

“I’ve seen visitors at historic sites like Hatra near the Syrian border and in Ur, a pilgrimage site for Christians. This is not the Iraq often portrayed in the media,” he noted.

However, Sudani acknowledged the challenges ahead. “The government’s biggest task is to restore public trust in state institutions after two decades of setbacks and widespread corruption.”

On US-Iraq relations, Sudani stressed that ties extend beyond security. “We have strong economic partnerships with major American firms, and we import $4 billion worth of US vehicles. Recent tariff changes under President Trump affect us indirectly through third-party countries.”