By Operation “Gideon’s Chariots”, which aims to defeat and subdue Hamas in Gaza and free all the hostages, was unanimously approved yesterday by the political-security cabinet.
In accordance with the plan formulated by the Chief of Staff and the IDF Command and approved by the Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister, the IDF will increase its forces and act forcefully to defeat and subdue Hamas and destroy its military and governmental capabilities, while creating strong pressure to release all the hostages.
A strong protective envelope will be provided to the forces maneuvering from land, air and sea, while using heavy equipment to neutralize explosive devices and destroy threatening structures.
A central component of the plan is a large-scale evacuation of the entire Gazan population from the fighting zones, including northern Gaza, to areas in southern Gaza, while creating a distinction between them and Hamas terrorists – to allow the IDF operational freedom of action.
Unlike in the past, the IDF will remain in any area that is conquered, to prevent the return of terrorism, and will handle any area that is cleansed according to the Rafah model, where all threats were eliminated and it became part of the security zone.
The humanitarian closure will continue, and only after the start of operational activity and the extensive evacuation of the population to the south, will a humanitarian plan be implemented, as presented yesterday by the IDF and approved by the cabinet, which will differentiate between aid and Hamas by operating civilian companies and demarcating the area to be secured by the IDF, including demarcating a sterile area in the Rafah area beyond the Morag axis where those entering will be filtered by the IDF to prevent the presence of Hamas members.
The deployment of forces prior to the start of the maneuver will allow a window of opportunity until the end of the US President’s visit to the region to carry out a hostage deal according to the “Witkoff model.” In such a case, Israel will strive to retain areas that have been cleared and added to the security zone beyond the March lines. In any temporary or permanent arrangement, Israel will not vacate the security zone around Gaza, which is intended to protect the communities and prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas.
If a hostage deal is not reached, Operation Gideon’s Chariots will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its objectives are achieved.
The voluntary transfer program for Gaza residents, especially those who will be concentrated in the south outside Hamas control, will be part of the operation’s goals.
From: Yonatn (Hans) Kraaijenhagen
Autor: Amit Segal, chief political analyst, @N12News
Source: t.me/englishabuali/50044
