Nearly three years after the murderous October 7 terrorist attack, there is a growing assessment within Israel’s defense establishment that there will be no alternative but to resume the ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip - this time in the heart of Gaza City.
According to a report by Amir Bohbot on the Walla website, the IDF and defense establishment assess that despite diplomatic efforts to advance an agreement and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Hamas is continuing to rebuild its military strength, reconstruct terrorist infrastructure and work to preserve its rule.
According to the report, Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor presented IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir with a comprehensive operational plan as early as May that includes a return to fighting in Gaza City. The plan includes stages for the gradual conquest of the city, alongside the evacuation of the civilian population to designated humanitarian areas.
A defense official familiar with the details of the plan told Walla that the assessment is that most Hamas commanders, members of its military wing and personnel from the organization’s security apparatuses are currently hiding in Gaza City. Therefore, dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities requires taking control of the area.
The report further indicates that international efforts have been made in recent months to advance U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan, which includes the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the transfer of control to the Peace Council. However, the defense establishment has concluded that Hamas does not intend to comply with the conditions, but instead seeks to buy time, avoid disarming and continue rebuilding its military strength.
The defense establishment assesses that unless there is a significant change in Hamas’ conduct, the next ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip will be only a matter of time - with Gaza City at its center, as the city is currently considered the center of gravity of the organization’s leadership and infrastructure.