The Israeli military is adopting a strategy of persistent operations across the Gaza Strip, aimed at exhausting Hamas militants, according to recent statements by IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.
Speaking near the Gaza border, General Halevi emphasized the importance of this approach. "This pursuit is very, very important. They should feel exhausted," he said, referring to Hamas fighters. The strategy involves repeated incursions into areas that have been previously targeted, including a recent call for residents of Khan Younis to evacuate for the second time since the war began, as reported by Channel 12.
This tactical choice comes as the IDF intensifies its operations in Rafah, in southern Gaza. The military recently destroyed what it describes as the last major rocket manufacturing facility in the area, located in the Tel Sultan neighborhood. According to IDF intelligence, this strike has severely compromised Hamas's ability to produce rockets, though small workshops may still exist.
Contrary to a recent surprising report in The New York Times suggesting some IDF commanders favored ending the fighting, division commanders met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express their readiness to continue operations as long as necessary.
The issue of ceasing hostilities was not raised during this discussion, according to sources familiar with the meeting. Nonetheless, the IDF is making efforts to conserve munitions, possibly in anticipation of potential conflict on the northern front with Lebanon.
The IDF's strategy reflects a shift towards a war of attrition against Hamas. However, the situation remains fluid, with international diplomatic efforts continuing to seek a path towards de-escalation and a lasting ceasefire.