While the IDF continues to amass forces near the border with Gaza and awaits instructions from the political level, the Washington Post tried to outline what the Israeli invasion of Gaza would look like and what the main risks IDF soldiers would have to face.
Raphael Cohen, a senior political scientist at the American Rand Institute who advises governments and public bodies on policy and security issues, told the Washington Post that in order to topple the Hamas regime in Gaza, the IDF is expected to face a long and exhausting campaign.
"Basically what the Israelis are aiming for is a complete regime change in Gaza, which is a notable change from the previous operations. If you want to dislodge Hamas, it will last much longer than 50 days like Operation Protective Edge," said Cohen.
The Washington Post projection noted that the IDF soldiers will have to fight in a dense area and against the Hamas terrorists who have been preparing for a long time for an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. The Israeli Air Force's bombing of Gaza may actually be used by the Hamas terrorists who will be able to find a hiding place among the ruins of buildings and from there try and attack the IDF soldiers.
"Hamas can also try to divert IDF forces to areas that Hamas has rigged with explosives. The IDF may employ a combined tactic using infantry, armor, and other support elements to overcome the enemy. Hamas may place its fighters at points such as heavy structures made of concrete and steel. These structures may house civilians or hostages," the projection notes.
According to the newspaper, "the threat to IDF soldiers can come from anywhere" and Hamas will try to use suicide drones as well as drones that can monitor the movement of soldiers or drop explosives. Hamas will also try to place snipers on the upper floors of buildings when Hamas has already prepared passages between buildings to allow terrorists to move around.
"Armored vehicles will be important to provide cover and firepower for infantry, but they can also be limited by narrow streets and be vulnerable to anti-tank weapons. In the end, many objectives may only be achievable with infantry warfare in populated areas, requiring soldiers to move from door to door and floor to floor to clear buildings," the projection reads.
The tunnels dug by Hamas will also be a target for the IDF. The projection speculates that the IDF will use robots to minimize risk to troops.