Israel approves attack plans: "The Fighting Will Be Hard to Stop"

The resumption of fighting with Hamas seems closer than ever, and on his very first day in office, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir approved attack plans. Facing Hamas' preparations for battle, Israeli officials estimate that once the operation is launched, it will be difficult to halt.

Zamir, approved offensive plans for the Southern Command on Wednesday, his first day in office, in preparation for a potential resumption of fighting against Hamas—an event that now seems imminent. Hamas has been reorganizing for battle during the ceasefire, and according to various assessments, once the operation begins, it will be an event that will be difficult to contain or stop.

Operational Constraints and Military Preparations

The IDF has made it clear to the political leadership that any renewed offensive plan for Gaza will be subject to various constraints—not just in terms of troop numbers, but especially regarding areas where the IDF will be unable to operate due to concerns over the presence of hostages. Several IDF divisions, including reserve brigades, have been preparing over the past month according to a plan for a ground assault in Gaza, combined with powerful aerial strikes by the Air Force.

As reported last week, Hamas has significantly reinforced its preparations for battle against Israel in recent weeks following the end of the first phase of the ceasefire and the conclusion of hostage exchanges without negotiations for a second phase. It is likely that the terrorist organization has also drawn lessons from previous rounds of fighting, laying new explosive traps across dozens of locations, redeploying thousands in Gaza City after they returned from southern Gaza, repositioning rocket launchers, and reorganizing combat units into companies and battalions.

Zamir: "Hamas Has Not Been Defeated Yet"

The statement made by the incoming Chief of Staff Zamir two days ago—that Hamas has not yet been defeated, in contrast to the claims of his predecessor, Herzi Halevi—has now become a binding commitment for the IDF to continue ground operations across the Gaza Strip. These operations, according to military assessments, are expected to persist in the coming years until Hamas' military capabilities are decisively neutralized.

Zamir Tours Gaza, Meets Troops

On his first day as Chief of Staff, Zamir entered the Gaza Strip and met with soldiers from the "Netzah Yehuda" Battalion. According to an IDF statement, Zamir conducted a field tour in Gaza alongside outgoing Southern Command Chief, Major General Yaron Finkelman, and other senior commanders.

Speaking with the soldiers, he told them: "You must always be prepared, always be alert, always be suspicious, always train. If you look back, you will see the homes of Sderot—you are protecting the civilians who live there. You are our defensive line. In this sense, you bear great responsibility. I trust you and am confident that you will perform your service in the best possible way. You have excellent commanders, we have outstanding soldiers, and we will accomplish all our missions in the best way possible."

Earlier that day, the Chief of Staff also met with local municipal leaders from the Gaza border region, telling them that the IDF is preparing to resume combat amid the fragile ceasefire. However, he emphasized that "the return of the hostages remains our top priority."