Report: IDF Nearing End of Gaza Campaign
With 75% of Gaza under IDF control and the "Merkavot Gideon" campaign winding down, Israel's military urges leaders to choose the next move, warning Hamas may exploit any pause to regroup and rearm.
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The Israel Defense Forces has informed the political echelon that the goals of the Gaza operation are nearing completion, according to a report published Sunday by Israel Hayom. Military officials say they could still advance and capture an additional 5–7% of the Gaza Strip, but are now demanding clear directives on how to proceed.
The army's large-scale “Merkavot Gideon” operation, launched weeks ago, is reportedly in its final stages. Thus far, the IDF has seized control of roughly 70%–75% of the territory. The campaign has relied on a five-division maneuver, four offensive, one defensive, to divide the Strip into separate zones, replicating the Rafah combat model across areas reached by Israeli forces.
With troops entrenched deep inside key Palestinian cities, military officials are bracing for increased Hamas efforts to kidnap soldiers. A senior source warned that Hamas has adopted a strategy of “sacrifice,” showing “greater daring and closer engagement.”
Military commanders on the ground also cautioned that should a ceasefire be declared, Hamas would likely exploit the lull, estimated at 60 days, to plant hundreds of explosives and reposition fighters and commanders throughout the Strip.