(NewsNation) — Hamas has selected a new leader in a move that isn’t “smart from any perspective,” said Enia Krivine, senior director of the Israel Program and the National Security Network at the Foundation for Defense and Democracies.

The Palestinian militant group announced Tuesday it chose Yahya Sinwar, the top official in Gaza behind the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, as its new leader. The transition comes after former leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran last week in a presumed Israeli strike.

Some worry the decision stands to delay negotiations amid continued fighting and escalating tension.

“I don’t think this is smart from any perspective,” Krivine said. “I don’t think this brings us closer to peace. I don’t think this brings the Israeli hostages and American hostages any closer to coming home.”

A period of escalation began about 10 days ago after Hezbollah sent a rocket into Northern Israel, killing 12 children playing on a soccer field, said Krivine, who has been reporting from Israel. Hezbollah and Israel have been in a gradually escalating exchange since Oct. 8.

President Joe Biden said last week he’d had a “very direct” conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“We have the basis for a cease-fire,” Biden said. “He should move on it, and they should move on it now.”

Netanyahu has said his country was determined to win nothing less than “total victory” against Hamas. He also said that Israel hoped for a cease-fire soon and was working for one. Now, Krivine said the possibility of a cease-fire may be further away.

“Israelis are looking at the alternatives,” she said. “Do they want to go back to the status quo of 10 days ago or do they want to try to move the chess pieces on the chess board a little bit and try to get to a more sustainable peace?”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.