Claim
Israeli security officials, however, were reported to have warned that Hamas signed on primarily to forestall renewed IDF operations, describing the move as a potential 'ambush' aimed at buying time
Attributed to Israeli security officials
Evidence
Multiple contemporaneous outlets corroborate this claim closely. The Times of Israel (Aug 2026) reported that 'Israeli security officials reportedly warn that Hamas only signed to prevent renewed [IDF] action,' describing the move as an 'ambush.' Israel Hayom separately quoted Shin Bet Director David Zini telling the security cabinet that Hamas's signing of the disarmament/roadmap agreement 'is a strategic deception process, aimed at buying time and ensuring we do not return to operating in Gaza before the elections.' HNGN similarly reported that Israeli security chiefs, including Zini, called the Gaza deal a Hamas 'ambush' aimed at buying time and preventing Israel from resuming military action before the next election. These reports are attributed to Israeli security officials (specifically Shin Bet chief David Zini) discussing Hamas's motives for signing a ceasefire/disarmament agreement, matching the claim's substance and near-exact wording ('ambush,' 'buying time,' 'forestall renewed IDF operations').
Supporting sources
Assessment
Multiple independent news outlets (Times of Israel, Israel Hayom, HNGN) reported nearly identical statements attributed to Israeli security officials, including a named source (Shin Bet chief David Zini), using the same 'ambush'/'buying time' framing, though no major international fact-checking body (Reuters, AFP, Bellingcat, EUvsDisinfo) has specifically reviewed this claim.
Confidence
Some independent corroboration was found, but it isn't yet conclusive.
Timeline
Aug 9, 2026, 9:22 PM UTC
LikelyInitial assessment.
Sep 2, 2026, 9:31 AM UTC
UnverifiedA mainstream outlet (Times of Israel) reported this exact claim as sourced to unnamed Israeli security officials, but since it relies on anonymous sourcing and no independent fact-checker has verified or refuted the underlying assessment, it cannot be confirmed as fact — only that the reported claim itself is accurately attributed.
Sep 11, 2026, 9:30 AM UTC
ConfirmedMultiple independent news outlets (Times of Israel, Israel Hayom, HNGN) reported nearly identical statements attributed to Israeli security officials, including a named source (Shin Bet chief David Zini), using the same 'ambush'/'buying time' framing, though no major international fact-checking body (Reuters, AFP, Bellingcat, EUvsDisinfo) has specifically reviewed this claim.
First observed Aug 9, 2026, 9:22 PM UTC · Last reviewed Sep 11, 2026, 9:30 AM UTC