IDF Recommends Gaza City Operation Modeled on Mount Dov Success

Amidst an impasse with the Palestinian Authority and the US regarding the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military is preparing for a maneuver in the enclave, aiming to capture the heart of Gaza City where Hamas leadership and operatives are believed to be hiding. This comes as a US-backed plan to train thousands of Fatah members from Gaza to form a policing force, to take over from Hamas, faces opposition from Israeli security officials and the government, stalling the initiative.

Security officials warn that if Hamas does not disarm and relinquish power to an alternative force, the IDF will be compelled to implement a strategy similar to the one used at Mount Dov (Har Dov) within Gaza City itself. This approach involves maneuvering to destroy terrorist infrastructure and then returning to the 'blue line' border.

This recommendation stems from the success of a recent operation at Mount Dov, where strategic infrastructure built over two decades by Iran and Hezbollah was destroyed within a month. Despite initial fears of strong opposition from Lebanon and threats from Iran and Hezbollah, the Israeli political leadership, following IDF recommendations, insisted on the operation, which was deemed highly successful.

Meanwhile, Hamas has reportedly continued to recruit and train new operatives in Gaza during the recent ceasefire. They are allegedly being trained in weapons use, observation, tunnel construction, weapons manufacturing, and intelligence gathering. Hamas forces are also reportedly continuing to challenge the IDF along the border, at sea, and are planning attacks against Israeli soldiers, raising significant concerns within the security establishment.