Hamas' Covert Buildup: A Looming Threat for Israel

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has transformed from a small protest group to a formidable armed power with a mini-army, thanks to years of clandestine support from Iran and allied Arab groups. Hamas has obtained weapons, financing, and training from Iran and its proxies, such as Hezbollah. The group has developed its own military capabilities, including manufacturing weapons locally and building a tunnel network under Gaza. Hamas now boasts a 40,000-strong military wing with specialized training, including cyber security and a naval commando unit. The recent attack on Israel demonstrated Hamas' military expertise and expanding capabilities. While Israel has the capability to destroy Hamas, the concern is the potential cost to the civilian population. Iran acknowledges providing financial and military support to Hamas but denies direct involvement in the recent attack.