Gaza Governance: IDF spares Hamas administrators to avoid civilian chaos

For residents of the Gaza Strip, the daily rhythm of life depends on a quiet decision by the Israeli defense establishment. Military officials have adopted a specific protocol to spare mayors and senior municipal figures from targeted strikes. This approach aims to keep local administrative functions running while the war continues.

The first key element of this strategy is the preservation of basic governance. Military sources told Walla that killing local Hamas authorities risks creating a power vacuum. They assess that international aid groups cannot immediately fill that gap. If governing institutions collapse, civilian chaos would ensue, a situation Israel would then have to manage directly.

The second aspect involves the current political stance regarding the territory's future. The Israeli government opposes the Palestinian Authority taking over Gaza. Instead, officials demand a third party administer the area. Keeping Hamas civilian leaders in place, albeit under pressure, aligns with the goal of avoiding a direct Israeli takeover or a return to PA control in the short term.

The third component is the continued aggressive targeting of Hamas's military wing. The IDF and Shin Bet are conducting two to three targeted killings every day. These strikes focus on terrorists involved in the October 7 attack, those preparing new offensives, and commanders rebuilding militant infrastructure. The immunity granted to civil servants does not apply to military figures.

This dual track relies on a dramatic shift in intelligence gathering. Over the past year, the Military Intelligence Directorate and Shin Bet have developed new human intelligence sources. They now operate with accurate, real-time data, a stark contrast to the pre-October 7 period when they relied heavily on mobile phone interception due to a lack of human assets.

Conditions on the ground show Hamas has been severely weakened. The group has fewer tunnels and hiding places. It faces a shortage of senior commanders with operational experience who understand how to operate under strict conditions. Despite this, the organization maintains control over the economy, energy, education, and healthcare.

Harris officials note that even where its grip is loose, Hamas shapes public sentiment through arrests, interrogations, and coercive tax collection. Israel understands that destroying these civilian systems could destabilize the region and draw international criticism. Consequently, senior civilian officials remain off the target list for the time being.

The IDF Southern Command and the Israel Air Force have also refined their operational techniques. These new methods allow for targeted killings within densely populated tent compounds. The goal is to minimize collateral damage and prevent harm to civilians while continuing to dismantle the military structure of Hamas.