Amos Yadlin said in an interview with Haaretz published on Thursday that Hamas is trying to create deterrence against Israel similar to that of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and that the main path to achieving this is broadening the range of its missile strikes in Israel.
"Every community within 40 kilometers may come within range of Hamas rockets: Ashdod, Kiryat Gat, even Be'er Sheva," he said
He also said that Hamas is not interested in peace because it is unwilling to recognize the State of Israel.
The military intelligence chief went on so say that Hamas has already significant capabilities, and several dozen rockets capable of striking targets within a radius of 20 kilometers.
"If this matter is not dealt with, Hamas will bring more cities within its range of fire," Yadlin said.
He said Hamas is preparing its defensive positions in case the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] invades the Gaza Strip. "Hamas' ground deployment is based on subterranean fortifications, explosive devices and snipers. Hamas has also set up a number of brigade-sized units," he said.
