IDF Chief: Next Phase of “Gideon’s Chariots” Approved — Final Push to Defeat Hamas in Gaza City

IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a field tour in the Gaza Strip alongside senior commanders, including Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen of the Operations Directorate, and Maj. Gen. Moran Omer of the 36th Division. During the visit, Zamir met with battalion and brigade commanders, outlining plans for the next phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, a campaign aimed at decisively defeating Hamas in Gaza City. Expressing pride in their efforts, he emphasized the operation’s success in weakening Hamas and its critical focus on securing the release of hostages taken on October 7, 2023.

Zamir announced, “Today we are approving the plan for the next phase of the war. As in the recent operations in Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, Judea and Samaria, and Gaza, we will continue to change the security reality. We will maintain the momentum of Gideon’s Chariots while focusing on Gaza City. We will continue to attack until Hamas is defeated, focusing on the return of the hostages.” He stressed a “sophisticated, considered, and responsible strategy,” utilizing the IDF’s full capabilities on land, air, and sea to “strike Hamas with force.”

The Chief of Staff highlighted the operation’s achievements, stating, “Operation Gideon’s Chariots achieved its goals. Hamas does not currently possess the same capabilities it had before the operation. We have severely damaged it.” He framed the campaign as part of a broader, long-term strategy targeting Iran’s “axis” of allied groups, adding, “The current campaign is not a one-off, it is another step in a long-term and planned plan, from a multi-sectoral perspective to damage all components of the axis, led by Iran.” Zamir praised the troops, saying, “You have been fighting for almost two years in a row, you have achieved unprecedented achievements, which bring security to the residents of the encirclement and to all citizens of Israel. I am proud of you.” He underscored the IDF’s moral duty, declaring, “The IDF has a moral obligation to return the hostages, both alive and dead, back home.”

The announcement comes amid intensified IDF operations across multiple fronts, including recent strikes in Yemen and Lebanon, reflecting Israel’s commitment to countering Iran-backed groups like Hamas, which has been significantly weakened since the war’s onset.