Three Years On, Hamas Remains in Gaza as 'Total Victory' Eludes Israel

Three years after the events of October 7, Israeli defense officials acknowledge that the situation in Gaza is far from achieving "total victory," despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration two and a half years ago that Israel was on the verge of it. While acknowledging achievements at various points, the reality is that Hamas continues to govern Gaza, according to Ynet military correspondent Elisha Ben-Kimon. Defense Ministry officials are presenting a complex assessment of the three-year war.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) currently control approximately 64% of the Gaza Strip, with two divisions operating and around 30 strongholds established. The front line has been significantly altered since October 7. A senior defense official stated that Hamas would face the IDF's forward-positioned forces if it attempted any action, emphasizing that defenses are now internal rather than solely reliant on the border fence.

Currently, a new defensive line is being completed in Gaza, featuring a wide moat and an earthen berm to impede vehicle movement. Test drilling has been conducted during construction to ensure no tunnels have been missed. This new barrier will be situated in the eastern part of the "yellow line," which effectively divides the strip and marks the boundary between IDF-controlled territory and Hamas-controlled areas.

Alongside territorial control, operational efforts are focused on continuous targeted eliminations. Defense sources reported that 70 terrorists, including three brigade commanders, were eliminated in the past month alone, with a commitment to continue targeting them individually.