‘Hamas wants escalation to stay relevant’

Hamas entered the current round of hostilities with Israel because it is in “deep trouble” and finding it difficult to stay relevant, says former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin.

The terrorist organization is in bad shape and therefore was looking to provoke Israel into the current exchange of fire, Diskin says at the Israel Conference on Peace at the Dan Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv, minutes after attendants run for cover after hearing a Code Red siren signalizing an incoming rocket.

“Hamas is looking for legitimacy and relevance,” Diskin says.

Israeli leaders routinely enter campaigns such as Operation Protective Edge — in 2008, Cast Lead, and in 2012, Pillar of Defense – with certain plans and objectives, “but you never know how you’re going to get out of it,” Diskin says.

— Raphael Ahren

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