Israel has killed Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed head of the military wing of Hamas in Gaza, just a week after eliminating his predecessor. The strike, ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, signals an intensified campaign against Hamas leadership. Israel now finds itself once again managing simultaneous conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

Despite the loss of senior commanders and much of its leadership over nearly three years of war, Hamas has not collapsed. The group continues to control roughly half of Gaza, operating among a civilian population of about two million people. While Israel has contained and weakened Hamas, the organization remains entrenched, raising questions about whether targeted killings alone can bring decisive change.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah has also suffered significant losses but continues to threaten Israel, including through the use of small armed drones that challenge air defenses. Fighting in the north has disrupted daily life, with schools closed and communities under strain. Although Israeli leaders pledge to crush Hezbollah, the lack of a clear long term strategy in both Gaza and Lebanon underscores the difficulty of turning tactical gains into lasting security.