Israeli security officials said on Tuesday that Israel Defense Forces forces under Southern Command have expanded their operational control to about 70% of the Gaza Strip, and they expect the area under Israeli control could grow in the coming months. The assessment comes amid concerns that Hamas is stalling on implementing the agreement, reestablishing itself on the ground, recruiting fighters, and preparing to resume fighting against Israel.
Southern Command head Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor is said to be managing three parallel efforts in Gaza while Israel's security focus remains largely on Iran and Lebanon. These efforts include countering threats along the “yellow line,” expanding operational control and strengthening defenses, and preparing for another confrontation with Hamas, alongside shaping the area in Rafah under the American plan for a “green city.”
According to security officials, daily situation assessments are held along the yellow line and deeper inside the Strip to synchronize intelligence from Military Intelligence, Shin Bet, and Southern Command. The goal is to prevent attacks, stop imminent hostile activity from the ground and the air, protect the border between Israeli-controlled territory and Hamas-held territory, and respond to friction incidents in which Hamas sends civilians to provoke Israeli troops. Officials said the IDF and Shin Bet have a list of targets for elimination who were directly or indirectly involved in the October 7 massacre, including people connected to holding hostages.
Israeli forces are also widening security buffers around communities in case of attacks and tunnel digging, while improving defenses along the line, opening new routes, paving roads, upgrading outposts, adding intelligence-gathering technologies, and reinforcing regular and reserve forces. If Hamas refuses to disarm and demilitarize the area, the military says it will need, with political approval, to launch an attack, most likely against Hamas leadership and fighters concentrated in Gaza City.
In parallel, the United States is advancing plans for the Rafah “green city,” including published tenders for infrastructure and buildings. Israeli sources said Washington initially wants to build facilities for 50,000 Palestinians who would undergo security screening and live in the green zone.
