Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

Hamas’s ‘multi-arena’ strategy targets Israeli stability

Iran’s “Jerusalem axis” also includes Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and other proxy militias.

A Hamas parade near the Israel-Gaza border marking the anniversary of the 2014 war ("Operation Protective Edge") with Israel, July 19, 2023. Photo by Majdi Fathi/TPS.
A Hamas parade near the Israel-Gaza border marking the anniversary of the 2014 war (“Operation Protective Edge”) with Israel, July 19, 2023. Photo by Majdi Fathi/TPS.

In a recent interview with the Hamas-affiliated Felesteen newspaper, senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzouk shed light on the group’s “multi-arena campaign,” revealing a vision that aims to put Israel in a state of constant instability and vulnerability to various threats.

The strategy involves active unification and participation in the Iranian “axis of resistance,” and financial stabilization of Gaza through Arab aid.

The multi-arena operation, which requires extensive coordination, has been steadily gaining momentum since Hamas joined Iran’s “Jerusalem axis” in 2021, an alliance that also includes Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other proxy militias in Syria, Iraq and Yemen in 2021.

Hamas’s renewal of relations with Syria marked a crucial turning point for the alliance, which serves as Iran’s counterweight to the Abraham Accords.

“We aim for the enemy to live under instability when his interests are under constant threat,” Abu Marzouk said.

The strategy seeks to create multiple fronts against Israel, and already, tensions are risiing along the Lebanese border.

Iran plays a significant role in supporting Palestinian terrorist groups, providing generous support in terms of money, weapons and technology. As part of the recent Saudi-Iranian rapprochement agreement, Hamas leaders visited the kingdom in April to strengthen ties, signaling a shift in relations after years of boycott.

Hamas is also trying to strengthen its presence in Judea and Samaria, considering it the core of its strategy due to the concentration of Palestinian population and direct conflict with Israelis.

But this has been complicated by its growing rivalry with Islamic Jihad inside the Strip and a Palestinian Authority crackdown on terrorist groups in Judea and Samaria.

Addressing reports of Algeria’s proposal to transfer oil to Gaza, Abu Marzouk welcomed the initiative and expressed confidence that Egypt would not reject it.

“I like to think of myself as a Bill Clinton Democrat,” Ethan Agarwal told JNS. “Can we restore that?”
A new initiative from the Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund aims to prevent burnout among frontline welfare managers and strengthen community resilience.
“Wherever these terrorists are, death and destruction follow,” envoy Yechiel Leiter posted to X.
The facilities contained bombs, rifles and other equipment intended for use against Israeli troops.
“In seconds, an ordinary evening turned into sirens, panic, and a race for shelter. All while a ceasefire is supposedly in place.”
“I have instructed the IDF to expand the incursion in Lebanon,” the premier said.