Step by step: The ground operation led by the IDF in the Gaza Strip will dismantle Hamas. However, it is important to remember that the entire process will take at least a few months. The goal of the forces on the ground is now to create pressure and exact a price from them by exposing the enemy and killing operatives – a dimension of breaking the spirit and regional deterrence.
This will require the security forces to work at different stages, but first and foremost, Hamas' ability to bring weapons into the Gaza Strip must be blocked. What happened in the past 36 hours with the ground raids led to confusion for Hamas and many fatalities among its forces. It seems that neither Nasrallah nor Iran understand what Israel is preparing – and this has great strategic value.
Home Front Command: "The war will be long - weeks and months" // Photo: IDF Spokesperson
In an incident in the Erez area, a tunnel was identified and four terrorists were killed. These actions cause terrorists to hesitate and constantly ask themselves where they should be – above or below ground. There were also several clashes with terrorists.
Today, the IDF used leaflets it bombed inside the Gaza Strip to persuade the 400,500-<>,<> residents who remained in the combat zones to move to the southern Gaza Strip, where there are humanitarian conditions in the form of trucks passing through Egyptian territory and being inspected.
IDF forces in the Gaza Strip, photo: IDF Spokesperson
In the northern sector, all areas adjacent to the fence have been declared closed military zones. There were several incidents of small arms and mortar fire near the fence. The IDF attacked the sources of fire in Lebanese territory and even killed a terrorist who tried to infiltrate into Israeli territory.
Working in full coordination
It should be noted at all times that the IDF and the defense establishment are in full coordination with the United States, particularly on regional events such as the shooting incidents from Syria and Yemen. For the basic situation in Gaza to change, the war will have to be long and significant.
Biden, Netanyahu and members of the war cabinet at the start of the meeting, photo: AP
The issue of abductees is complex, and the IDF and the defense establishment will have to work with greater flexibility and make adjustments to the form of fighting. Keep in mind that the centers of gravity can move to serve a higher achievement.
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