The Media Line: IDF Chief Reportedly Declares ‘Hamas Is Defeated’; Rafah Brigade Commander Killed  

IDF Chief Reportedly Declares ‘Hamas Is Defeated’; Rafah Brigade Commander Killed  

By The Media Line Staff  

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly told Israel’s political leadership that “Hamas has been defeated,” while the IDF announced Wednesday that it and the Shin Bet had killed Hamas Rafah Brigade Commander Nael Abu Obeid.   

Zamir made the assessment during a security briefing for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz and other senior political officials during a visit to the Gaza Division at the beginning of the month, Ynet reported.  

His remarks followed an assessment by Brig. Gen. Ofir Mizrahi, head of the Research Division in the IDF Intelligence Directorate, who said Hamas was attempting to restore its governance and increase recruitment.  

“It should be noted that Hamas is still a threatening organization,” Mizrahi said.  

Zamir reportedly responded: “I understand the statement by the head of the Research Division. It is correct because those are their intentions. But alongside that, I am telling you, Prime Minister—Hamas is a defeated organization.”  

The chief of staff cited the destruction of Hamas weapons depots and the elimination of its senior officials, saying the group is “not firing.”  

“It is not responding, and therefore it can be said that Hamas has been defeated,” he said.  

In a separate development Wednesday, the IDF said Abu Obeid was eliminated in a joint operation with the Shin Bet. According to the military, the Rafah Brigade commander oversaw the activities of its members and directed plans against IDF forces and Israeli civilians.  

Abu Obeid also worked to rebuild the brigade’s military capabilities after they suffered a devastating blow during the war, the IDF said.  

His predecessor, Muhammad Shabana, was killed in June 2025 in a strike in Khan Yunis alongside then-Hamas military wing chief Muhammad Sinwar.  

Palestinian media in the Gaza Strip reported that two people were killed in the strike that eliminated Abu Obeid, including a child whose age was not specified. Separate reports from Gaza said seven people were wounded.