Gaza Conflict Intensifies: The IDF Faces Challenges Amidst Hamas Guerrilla Tactics
On Friday, close to Shabbat, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi arrived to visit Gaza. In a meeting with the commanders of the forces from the 99th Division holding the Netzer Corridor, he warned about the deceptive calm in the sector. 'Hamas could surprise at any moment,' he said, urging readiness. A day later, this warning proved prescient as Hamas managed to kill eight fighters in the Rafah sector using an engineering tool. Initially thought to be caused by a powerful bomb, a preliminary investigation revealed it was an RPG bomb, resulting in the tragic death of all the passengers in an open door APC.
A few hours later, two reservists from the 99th Division were killed in the Gaza Strip's center. Their armored personnel carrier was struck by an IED, underlining the vulnerabilities that Hamas exploits. These incidents highlight the current complex situation in Gaza, where operational control by the IDF does not translate into tangible success. Despite killing scores of terrorists, the inability to resolve key issues like the remaining 120 hostages diminishes any perceived achievements.
IDF's Continuous Battle and Strategic Challenges
Hamas has adapted swiftly to the new combat conditions, switching to guerrilla warfare to exploit the IDF's weak points. The Chief of Staff has warned of Hamas potentially digging tunnels under IDF outposts. Currently, the IDF does not have permanent outposts in Gaza, yet it is not hard to envision what will happen in the future. Dynamic activity might protect the IDF forces today but could evolve into static, fortified outposts akin to those in southern Lebanon years ago, potentially resulting in significant economic and human costs.
In addition to these operational challenges, the IDF is also grappling with internal issues, such as maintaining morale and addressing reservists' concerns. Col. Reut Retig-Weiss, the first female IDF officer serving as the commander of the division's fire brigade, voiced the reservists’ discontent regarding the conscription law and the unequal burden. Chief of Staff Halevi acknowledged this, emphasizing the necessity of recruiting ultra-Orthodox soldiers to distribute the load more evenly.
The IDF has announced a daily 'tactical pause' in southern Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid entry. This decision, influenced by discussions with the UN and other organizations, reflects the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza where famine threatens and malnutrition affects thousands, especially children. The tactical pause runs from 08:00 to 19:00 daily and is intended to increase the aid flowing into the region, as diplomatic hopes for a ceasefire remain dim.
- The IDF's ability to control Gaza without bearing high costs is in question. The comparison to southern Lebanon underscores potential long-term challenges, including significant economic burdens and prolonged loss of life if no strategic shift occurs.
- Concerns over morale and equal burden in the IDF, particularly amongst reservists, reflect deeper societal and organizational issues. Solutions might include legislative changes and broader societal recognition of military service.
