Israel’s military and Shin Bet have raised their level of readiness in the Gaza Strip over intelligence claims that Hamas may attempt to capture an Israeli soldier in the near future, according to the Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
The newspaper reported that, based on existing warnings, alert levels have been increased for the two Israeli divisions deployed in Gaza, the regional division and Division 99.
Senior commanders in each unit were reportedly instructed several days ago not to leave the Gaza Strip and to conduct checks on the readiness and vigilance of the forces under their command.
Israeli Fears Along the Yellow Line
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the absence of a physical barrier along the so-called Yellow Line has raised Israeli concerns that Hamas fighters could approach one of the positions located near Israeli settlement outposts, capture a soldier and take him deeper into the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military fears that such an operation could trigger a new escalation.
The newspaper added that any escalation could unfold under what it described as American constraints that may prevent the Israeli military from operating at full capacity, particularly in light of elections taking place in the United States and Israel.
Capture Scenario Linked to Israeli Assassinations
Yedioth Ahronoth said Israeli fears of an attempted capture were not being treated merely as a theoretical possibility.
It noted that reports published in recent weeks indicated that the Israeli military had been preparing for possible Hamas retaliation following a series of targeted assassinations in the Gaza Strip.
Among the scenarios reportedly examined were an attack on Israeli forces and an attempt to capture soldiers in the Yellow Line area.
Citing a senior Israeli military source, the newspaper claimed that Hamas was seeking to repeat an operation similar to the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit as Israeli and US elections approached.
The source warned against what it described as an operational mistake that could allow Hamas to alter the existing situation.
According to the newspaper’s account of the Israeli position, Israel believes its intelligence capabilities have allowed it to repeatedly target senior Hamas commanders while placing the movement under intelligence and operational pressure.
The claims come as the Israeli occupation army continues its violations in the Gaza Strip and its failure to adhere to the ceasefire agreement in effect since October 2025.
