IDF Recommends Gaza Operation Modeled on Lebanon's Ali al-Taher Heights Bombing

The Israeli military has recommended to political leadership the replication of the Ali al-Taher Heights bombing strategy in Gaza to dismantle Hamas strongholds. Military affairs editor Amir Bohbot reported on September 20, 2026, that the IDF proposed a major operation in Gaza City targeting Hamas leaders, destroying infrastructure, and underground tunnel networks. The military's rationale stems from Hamas's refusal to disarm and transfer governance to an alternative authority, as outlined in the "Peace Council" plan.

The Peace Council plan, reportedly encouraged by the U.S. and Gulf states, involves training Fatah elements in Egypt to form a police force to replace Hamas security. However, this initiative has stalled due to opposition from within Israel's security establishment and political leadership. Current military assessments suggest that given the stalemate with the Peace Council and U.S. representatives on Gaza's disarmament, the IDF is preparing for a large-scale invasion of Gaza City, where Hamas leadership is concentrated.

Security sources claim that if Hamas does not disarm and relinquish power, the IDF will be compelled to implement the Ali al-Taher model within Gaza City. The IDF views the September 10th bombing of Ali al-Taher Heights in Lebanon as a significant strategic blow to Hezbollah, crippling its leadership and communication systems. The operation reportedly involved 1,100 tons of explosives, causing a seismic event and destroying key Hezbollah operational centers.

This recommendation comes amid stalled U.S.-brokered negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. While some military leaders, like Chief of Staff Zamir, have declared Hamas defeated, others, supported by the Defense Minister, advocate for a decisive, simultaneous underground and above-ground bombing campaign. Concurrently, a $2.5 billion deal for tens of thousands of one-ton bombs from the U.S. has been reported, intended for operations in Lebanon and Gaza.

The political level, specifically Defense Minister Katz and Netanyahu's office, reportedly supports the IDF's recommendations. This aligns with renewed threats of Gaza's depopulation, though the IDF denies this is linked to potential soldier abductions. Experts caution that a bombing on the scale of Ali al-Taher in Gaza would be catastrophic due to the densely populated urban environment and Gaza's sandy terrain, potentially causing widespread building collapse.

Despite the IDF's official stance that operations in Lebanon and Gaza are complete, internal military voices, aligning with political sentiment, are emerging, calling for the completion of unfinished tasks. The military states that the decision to escalate or negotiate now rests with the political level. The proposed large-scale operation in Gaza aims to eliminate Hamas strongholds, paving the way for ending the war, a move the Israeli government appears hesitant to pursue but unable to avoid indefinitely. This plan may also have implications for Egyptian national security regarding potential displacement and the transfer of authority in Gaza.