In a decisive shift in military strategy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will intensify operations in Gaza and maintain control of any territory it captures as part of a new military campaign, "Operation Gideon’s Chariots." The goal is clear: defeat Hamas, rescue hostages, and establish long-term Israeli presence in parts—or potentially all—of the Gaza Strip.
Key Elements of the New Operation:
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No Withdrawal: Netanyahu confirmed that IDF troops, including reserves, will remain on the ground in secured areas to prevent Hamas from regaining control. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized, "Once the operation begins, there will be no withdrawal from land we conquer — not for any deal."
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Civilian Relocation: Netanyahu and other officials said there would be population movements within Gaza "to protect them," suggesting a policy of relocating civilians to zones away from combat areas.
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Strategic Shift: Culture Minister Miki Zohar acknowledged that the operation might put hostages at greater risk but claimed it’s the only path to defeating Hamas and forcing the return of captives.
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Trump’s Visit as a Deadline: A senior defense source stated that Hamas has until the end of President Donald Trump's regional visit (May 13–16) to reach a hostage deal. If no agreement is reached, the full-scale offensive will commence.
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Permanent Presence in Gaza: Ministers such as Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi called for "deep, continuous control" of Gaza and promoted emigration from the Strip as a long-term solution. His words: “Emigration — not illusions... The real and lasting answer will come only through the full advancement of the emigration plan.”
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No Return to Pre-Disengagement Status Quo: This marks a departure from past military doctrines where the IDF would conduct operations but withdraw afterward. The new approach appears to reject the idea of temporary raids in favor of sustained occupation.
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Potential Ceasefire Deal Still Possible: MK Ze'ev Elkin warned that Hamas might still secure a short-term ceasefire through hostage releases, but emphasized that “terms are changing fast” and Israel may not offer the same deals once it captures more ground.
Broader Implications:
Israel is signaling a new era of policy in Gaza, potentially reversing decades of strategy since the 2005 Disengagement. The government is preparing for a long-term military presence, and some voices within the coalition openly embrace the term "occupation" as a legitimate solution.
This move is likely to have major geopolitical ramifications, including:
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Potential backlash from international actors concerned about civilian displacement and long-term occupation.
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Increased regional tension, especially as actors like the Houthis, Iran, and Hezbollah may escalate in response.
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Further entrenchment of the Israeli-Palestinian divide, with no clear plan yet on who will govern civilian areas once Hamas is removed.
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