IDF Shifts to Defensive Posture in Gaza with Stricter Fire Authorization

In recent days, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have ceased proactive strikes in the Gaza Strip, transitioning from an offensive to a passive defensive stance. Under this new policy, authorization for opening fire has been elevated to the level of the Chief of Staff and political leadership, requiring higher approval for any action beyond a defined threshold. Senior officers and soldiers interviewed by Ynet noted that while daily targeted killings were previously conducted with broad operational freedom, the Gaza Strip is now experiencing complete calm. However, the IDF maintains that immediate response capabilities remain intact, with battalion commanders authorized to neutralize threats on the ground without awaiting higher approval.

Interviewed soldiers warned that this static posture could allow Hamas to rebuild its capabilities and attempt smuggling operations, drawing parallels to the period between the end of the Lebanon conflict and the outbreak of hostilities there. This operational shift follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent declaration rejecting the "15-point document" proposed by the Gaza Peace Council and opposing any withdrawal before Hamas is fully disarmed. Netanyahu emphasized ongoing negotiations with the United States and affirmed that the IDF will continue to thwart threats against Israeli civilians and forces.

Despite Netanyahu’s rejection of the peace document, Israeli security officials have not received orders to freeze the next phase in Gaza. An American official in Kiryat Gat told Kan News that preparations are underway for the establishment of the first multinational force base in Rafah, scheduled to begin on August 30, as a preliminary step toward advancing the Gaza agreement. The new policy also halted targeted killings of militants who infiltrated Israel on October 7, 2023. Now, explicit approval from Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir is required for any strike not aimed at immediate threat removal, a shift from previous authority held by the Southern Command chief or division commanders. The last lethal strike in Gaza was recorded on August 3, with no attacks since then.