Israel Prepares for Next Gaza War Phase: City of Gaza Assault Eyed

Israeli security officials anticipate that a renewed ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, potentially focusing on the city of Gaza, may be the next phase of the war against Hamas. This assessment stems from the belief that Hamas continues to rebuild its military capabilities and infrastructure, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts for a settlement and demilitarization of the Strip.

Sources indicate that as the three-year mark approaches since the October 7th attacks, the prevailing view within Israel's security establishment is that Hamas is actively working to restore its military strength, reconstruct terror infrastructure, and maintain its governance. This has led to the conclusion that a renewed ground operation is unavoidable.

In May, Southern Command chief Major General Yitzhak Tsur presented a comprehensive operational plan to IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. This plan reportedly includes a phased conquest of Gaza City, coupled with the evacuation of the civilian population to designated humanitarian zones. A security official familiar with the plan stated that most Hamas commanders, military operatives, and security personnel are believed to be hiding within Gaza City, making its control essential for dismantling Hamas's military capabilities.

International efforts, including a proposal by former US President Donald Trump for Gaza's demilitarization and transfer of control to a peace council, have reportedly been met with skepticism by Israeli security forces. They believe Hamas has no intention of complying and is instead seeking to delay, avoid disarmament, and continue its military resurgence.

Security officials estimate that without a significant shift in Hamas's behavior, a further ground operation in Gaza is a matter of time, with Gaza City, considered the center of the organization's leadership and infrastructure, as the primary objective.