Intensification of battles imminent, as IDF Chief hints at potential resolution of hostage situation
Israel's Updated Combat Strategy in Gaza: A Cautious Shift
In a significant development, LTG Eyal Zamir, the Chief of the General Staff, conducted a field tour in the Gaza Strip on Friday, accompanied by senior military officials, including MG Yaniv Asor, the Commander of the Southern Command, BG Sagiv Dahan, the Commander of the 162nd Division, and Commanders from the 401st Brigade, Givati Brigade, and Nahal Brigade [1].
During the tour, Zamir presented an updated combat plan for the Gaza Strip. This plan, designed to systematically weaken Hamas, avoids a full conquest or control of the Strip. Instead, it focuses on broad siege operations that cover most of the controlling territories, including all entrances and exits of Gaza [3].
The plan aims to clear operational areas, prevent organizational strengthening, maintain fire operations for raids, and reduce soldier attrition. It also involves implementing new operational formations that maximize advantages and reduce vulnerabilities to increase pressure on Hamas while minimizing Israeli losses [1][3]. This plan is ready to be implemented immediately if hostage negotiations fail or after a ceasefire period if there is no progress with hostage release.
Zamir has emphasized that the Gaza conflict remains unresolved militarily and called for an operational pause to allow the IDF to rebuild its combat capabilities. He acknowledged that Hamas has not been fully defeated despite substantial gains and indicated the need to reassess objectives and tactics in Gaza as part of a longer-term approach [2].
The Chief of the General Staff also estimated that a partial deal for the release of hostages might be known in the coming days. However, if a partial deal is not reached, the combat will continue without rest, according to Zamir [2].
During the tour, Zamir spoke with the commanders about the division's recent achievements and plans for continued operations in the Gaza Strip. He particularly praised the achievements of the division during Operation 'Gideon's Chariots' [1].
However, political tensions exist over some aspects of Gaza’s future management. Zamir reportedly opposes proposals for partial displacement of Gaza’s civilian population, citing practical and diplomatic concerns [4].
In summary, Zamir’s updated approach avoids full occupation, opts for siege and attrition strategies to pressure Hamas, incorporates new tactical formations to leverage IDF strengths, and calls for a period of operational pause for rebuilding, reflecting a cautious and strategic shift in Israel’s Gaza combat planning [1][2][3][4].
[1] Haaretz: "IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir presents updated Gaza combat strategy" [2] Times of Israel: "IDF chief calls for operational pause in Gaza, says Hamas not defeated" [3] Ynet News: "IDF's updated Gaza combat plan: No full occupation, focus on attrition" [4] Jerusalem Post: "IDF chief opposes displacement of Gaza's civilian population"
The updated combat strategy in Gaza, as presented by Israel's Chief of the General Staff LTG Eyal Zamir, involves a cautious shift focusing on siege and attrition strategies, new tactical formations, and an operational pause for rebuilding, aiming to pressure Hamas while minimizing Israeli losses. However, political debates persist over certain management proposals for Gaza, with Zamir expressing opposition to partial displacement of Gaza's civilian population due to practical and diplomatic concerns. This development, including the political aspects, is covered extensively in the general news, war-and-conflicts, and politics sectors.
