What’s happening:

Security officials in Israel recently acquired a recent photograph of the elusive head of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, who has a long history of avoiding Israeli capture and assassination attempts.

Why it matters:

Mohammed Deif has been a key figure in the Israeli-Hamas conflict, surviving numerous Israeli attempts on his life and maintaining a position of significant influence within the Hamas military infrastructure. The recent photograph signifies ongoing intelligence operations and the high priority placed on Deif by Israeli forces.

The IDF response:

The IDF Spokesperson has refrained from directly commenting on the photograph but emphasized the importance of locating and neutralizing Deif. The IDF has been actively gathering intelligence in Gaza, especially from underground tunnel networks.

The backstory:

Deif has been operating with heightened security measures and is known for his secretive movements, including the use of specially adapted infrastructure. Despite physical challenges resulting from past assassination attempts, recent reports indicate he may be more mobile and capable than previously thought, actively coordinating military activities in Gaza.

The bigger picture:

Deif’s persistent survival has contributed to his almost mythical reputation for being indestructible. With the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly around the Temple Mount and Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, his leadership role in Hamas remains a focal point for Israel’s defense strategy.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.