IDF Prepares for Gaza Combat as Multinational Force Strengthens Presence

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for potential combat operations against Hamas in Gaza, aiming to disarm the group and neutralize its military capabilities. Concurrently, the International Stabilization Force (ISF), a multinational contingent tasked with security and governance stabilization in Gaza, has begun deploying military equipment to the region. Over the past 24 hours, dozens of vehicles, including some armored, have been transferred to Gaza and received by American forces stationed at the command center in Kiryat Gat, signaling a buildup of multinational presence to assume security responsibilities in parts of Gaza.

To date, the IDF has captured approximately 70% of Gaza’s territory to dismantle Hamas’s arsenal, tunnels, and fighters. However, Hamas continues to exert control over the remaining areas. Regional sources indicate that political progress hinges on an effective multinational force disarming Hamas and taking control of Gaza’s remaining territory, but the current reality diverges from this goal. Israeli military officials fear Hamas will exploit this security gap to strengthen itself during the reconstruction phase.

Hamas maintains a significant arsenal, including an estimated 27,000 armed militants, thousands of guided missiles with varying ranges, unexploded air force bombs, rockets, drones, motorized parachutes, naval assets, diving equipment, and a hierarchical command structure. The group is also reviving its tunnel networks. Despite heavy blows over nearly three years, Hamas continues to govern Gaza and poses a tangible threat to Israeli security.

Israeli security sources believe Hamas’s leadership is currently focused on survival and governance consolidation, avoiding provocations against the IDF to prevent international backlash. However, Hamas is expected to shift from defensive to offensive tactics against Israeli forces if deeper incursions into Gaza City occur. Southern Command Chief Major General Yaniv Asor advocates resuming combat operations, especially in areas not yet entered by Israeli troops or tanks, where Hamas stockpiles weapons and shelters senior leaders.

Meanwhile, the United States is advancing processes in Gaza that some Israeli officials view as bypassing Israeli political leadership, potentially complicating the security landscape by creating zones controlled by the multinational force, Hamas, and the IDF simultaneously. Israeli officials warn that Hamas will not relinquish control easily and will leverage reconstruction efforts to its advantage.