Why has not Palestinian factions responded to the Israeli assassination?

First, Israel is testing the Unity of Fronts claims made by "the Resistance Axis". If stakeholders respond collectively as they said they would, Israel security services will be working in a new arena.

Second, the timing for escalation is not favourable. Hamas and Co don't want a war about leaders. They want a noble cause such as defending Alaqsa to be the motive for escalation rounds. Hence, a response may be delayed until the context and timing is favourable. Factions will not let Israel dictate the context. There is a strategic game at play not a reactionary one.

Third, we might be looking at a new stage of the conflict which is characterised by prolonged attrition. This will mean episodes of escalation will be more frequent and across different fronts. In that case, Israel and Palestinian factions will not always clash directly, but attack each other as they see fit on their own terms.

Fourth, Israel is deploying its own version of Unity of Fronts equation. It is conducting simultaneous attacks in the West Bank, Gaza, Syria, Lebanon and Palestinians in Israel. This adds pressure on Palestinian factions and their allies to respond. However, attrition pressure from the Axis side will also increase. Patience, resilience and resolve will be the key determinants for the future of the conflict.