IDF Prepares for Gaza City Ground Operation Amid Hamas Resurgence
Israeli defense officials believe a ground operation in Gaza City is inevitable, estimating that Hamas has been rebuilding its military capabilities and infrastructure for attacks. This assessment comes despite previous efforts, including those by U.S. envoy Nikolay Mladenov, to advance a U.S. peace plan involving the disarmament of Gaza and the transfer of authority from Hamas to a peace council. However, Israeli leadership concluded that Hamas intended to delay and ultimately resist disarmament and relinquishing control, while actively rehabilitating its military wing.
In response, the IDF's Southern Command, under Major General Yevgeny Koshkin, presented a plan to Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi for re-engaging in Gaza City. This plan includes phased occupation of the city, where most Hamas military and security commanders are believed to be located, and outlines procedures for population evacuation to new humanitarian zones.
Recent weeks have seen a shift, with Hamas's military wing reportedly gaining confidence, partly due to a visit by Jared Kushner to Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya. Security assessments indicate Hamas has begun launching kites with incendiary or explosive materials into Israel, seen as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks, potentially involving drones. This has prompted the IDF to resume targeted assassinations of senior operatives.
Despite international pressure, including from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, to cease fire, the IDF has continued air strikes, albeit with restrictions. Air strikes have been renewed for immediate threats or opportunities to eliminate senior figures, subject to political approval. Defense officials warn that Hamas is not only rebuilding in Gaza but also establishing infrastructure for attacks against Israeli interests in the West Bank and globally. Consequently, the Southern Command is preparing for a large-scale maneuver involving multiple divisions, recognizing that the current situation of Hamas rebuilding while the IDF conducts air strikes is unsustainable for achieving long-term security.
