ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) director Yuval Diskin warned on Sunday that Hamas appears to have attained longer range rockets capable of striking the corridor of Beersheva, the capital of the Negev.

Diskin warned that an IDF offensive will most likely be met with increased attacks by Hamas, which can now be launched from almost any location in Gaza, attacks that will not only include a larger number of rockets, but surface-to-surface rockets capable of penetrating considerably deeper into Israel, threatening the area near Beersheva.

Hamas continues training hard Diskin reported, with the terror organization releasing training footage to ensure the message is clear, that the terror organization has built itself into a formidable army. Mock IDF tanks and choppers are used as targets in exercises seeking to teach proficiency in shoulder-held missiles and other weaponry. In a somewhat contradictory statement, Diskin still believes Hamas wishes to extend the ceasefire, but it is seeking to do so with “improved conditions”.

Intelligence officials reported on Sunday that it appears senior Hamas leaders in Gaza are heading underground, based on reports Israel has approved targeted assassinations, permitting the air force to strike Hamas’ leadership in Gaza.

Part of the new enhanced Hamas threat is the fact the terror organization may now reach the air force’s Chatzeirim Base, located near Beersheva.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)