Israel Security Forces Prepare for New Gaza Operation

Israeli security officials anticipate that another ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip is inevitable, with Hamas actively rebuilding its military capabilities and infrastructure. According to reports, Hamas has not shown any intention of disarming in a manner acceptable to Israel. As early as May, Major General Yevgeny Asor, commander of the Southern Command, presented a plan to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir for a phased re-occupation of Gaza City. This plan includes establishing new humanitarian zones for population displacement and aims to target the remaining Hamas leadership and security personnel believed to be concentrated there.

The renewed focus on military action stems from the assessment that Hamas is delaying tactics and has no intention of relinquishing control or its weaponry, while simultaneously strengthening its military wing. Recent developments have raised further concerns, with intelligence suggesting Hamas has begun launching kites into Israeli territory, potentially as a precursor to using incendiary or explosive materials. The IDF and Shin Bet are also evaluating the possibility of drone attacks by Hamas against Israeli forces.

In response to the discovery of infrastructure for attacks within Gaza, Israel has reverted to a policy of targeted assassinations. Over the past few weeks, more than 20 operatives have been eliminated. Security officials have warned the political echelon that Hamas is not only rebuilding its forces and attack infrastructure in Gaza but is also working to establish capabilities to strike Israeli interests in the West Bank and globally.

Given these escalating threats, the commander of the Southern Command has been tasked with preparing for a large-scale operation involving multiple divisions. Security sources estimate that if Hamas does not disarm, a further ground operation in Gaza will be unavoidable, likely occurring after the upcoming elections in Israel and the US midterm elections.