Here's How The IDF Plans to Save The Hostages
Brig. Gen. (res.) Amir Avivi claimed today that Israel has realized Hamas has no interest in releasing the hostages, and has decided on a strategy of rescue. Here's how it will work.
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Brig. Gen. (res.) Amir Avivi, founder of the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDF), appeared on Galei Yisrael radio today (Tuesday) to discuss Israel's shifting approach to the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza. With negotiations stalled and Hamas showing no willingness to release the remaining captives, Avivi revealed what he believes is the IDF's emerging strategy: a full-scale military push to dismantle Hamas, conquer the Gaza Strip, and use encirclement tactics to force the terrorists into surrendering the hostages.
"The State of Israel desperately wanted a hostage deal, but Hamas refuses," Avivi said. "They are abusing them, starving them, and we can't drag this out anymore." He emphasized that the alternative, though risky, offers opportunities: "Enter, dismantle Hamas, conquer the Strip, surround the places where the hostages are held, and tell the terrorists: 'It's over. If you want money and to go to Sinai, give us our hostages.'"
Avivi acknowledged potential tragedies but argued there's no other viable path: "I have no doubt there will be cases where this succeeds. There could also be tragedies, but there's no other way. It's like saying: We want to win, but we're not willing for soldiers to get hurt. That's not realistic."
His comments align with recent briefings from the Prime Minister's Office, where Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told associates he has decided to expand operations in Gaza, including conquering the entire Strip—even areas suspected to hold hostages. Until now, the IDF has avoided full assaults in western Khan Yunis, southern Gaza City, and the central camps area (Deir al-Balah) due to fears for the captives' safety.
Avivi referenced the tragic precedent from last summer, when advancing IDF forces toward a tunnel holding hostages led to their execution at close range by Hamas terrorists. The six murdered were: Carmel Gat z"l, Eden Yerushalmi z"l, Hersh Goldberg-Polin z"l, Alexander Lobanov z"l, Almog Sarusi z"l, and Sgt. Maj. Ori Danino z"l.
As a reserve general with extensive experience, Avivi has been a vocal advocate for aggressive military action against Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attacks. He founded the IDF in 2021 to promote strong defense policies and has frequently appeared in media to critique perceived weaknesses in Israel's approach. His views reflect a hardline stance shared by some in the security establishment, emphasizing that prolonged negotiations only empower Hamas.
The hostage situation remains dire, with around 50 captives still held in Gaza after nearly 22 months. Recent reports indicate abuse, including starvation, as Hamas uses them as leverage. Israel has conducted several successful rescue operations, like the June 2025 raid in Nuseirat that freed four hostages, but these carry high risks to both captives and troops.
Avivi's plan is effectively a "rescue by conquest." It would involve rapid advances, intelligence-driven encirclements, and ultimatums, potentially coordinated with international mediators for safe passage of surrendering terrorists. However, critics warn it could endanger hostages further and escalate the conflict.
The Knesset and security cabinet have not commented on Avivi's remarks, but they come amid growing public pressure for a resolution, with protests demanding action.