Street Fight Showdown: IDF Tears Through Gaza ‘Zenga Zenga’
Israel launches a relentless “Zenga Zenga” campaign to seize Gaza City street by street, vowing no shortcuts in its fight to crush Hamas and secure lasting victory.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a methodical, street-by-street campaign to take control of Gaza City, drawing inspiration from an unlikely source: Muammar Gaddafi’s infamous “Zenga Zenga” speech during the Libyan civil war. The phrase, meaning “street by street,” has become the IDF’s mantra for a no-shortcuts approach to rooting out Hamas and ensuring long-term security, according to military officials.
As plumes of smoke rose over Jabalia in northern Gaza this morning, the IDF signaled the start of a major operation. Five divisions are now positioned on the city’s outskirts, with elite Givati and Golani brigades already seizing key targets in neighborhoods like Zeitoun, Sajaiya, and Jabalia. “We’re operating systematically, street by street,” a senior security source told Srugim. “There’s no quick fix. We tried that before, and it didn’t work.”
The operation marks a significant escalation in Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure following the devastating October 7, 2023, attack. The IDF’s goal is clear: prevent a repeat of what security officials call the “Simchat Torah reality,” referring to the coordinated Hamas assault that caught Israel off-guard. “The eyes of the world are on us,” the source added. “Without a decisive victory, neither Israel nor the global community will accept the outcome.”
A Gradual, Unrelenting Push
The IDF’s strategy is deliberate and phased. Starting September 2, a massive reserve mobilization will bring 60,000 additional troops into the fold, with another 20,000 already-serving soldiers extending their service. By October or November, the force is expected to swell to 130,000 fighters, with operations peaking by early next year. “This is about thoroughness, not speed,” the security source emphasized. “Every house, every alley, every street, Zenga Zenga.”
The approach contrasts with past operations, which relied on rapid strikes but failed to achieve lasting results. The IDF now aims to transform Gaza City into a secure zone, akin to Rafah, Khan Younis, and Beit Hanoun, where intense operations have already reshaped the landscape. “If we don’t do this right, it’ll all happen again,” the source warned.
Echoes of Gaddafi, With a Difference
The “Zenga Zenga” reference harks back to Gaddafi’s 2011 vow to fight rebels “house by house, street by street” during Libya’s civil war. While the IDF’s adoption of the phrase is rhetorical, the parallels are striking: a refusal to compromise and a commitment to exhaustive control. However, unlike Gaddafi’s brutal campaign, the IDF’s operation is framed as a precise, intelligence-driven effort to neutralize Hamas while minimizing civilian impact, though challenges in Gaza’s dense urban terrain remain.
A Message to Critics
The IDF is also countering perceptions of psychological warfare. “This isn’t just posturing,” the security source said. “We’re planning an intense, deep operation to clear the area for good.” The operation’s scale, unprecedented in recent years, shows Israel’s determination to reshape Gaza’s security landscape.
As the IDF moves forward, the international spotlight grows brighter. The operation’s success will hinge on its ability to deliver a clear, lasting blow to Hamas while navigating global scrutiny. For now, “Zenga Zenga” is more than a catchphrase, it’s a battle cry for a military resolved to fight until victory.