Israeli Military Strategy in Gaza Under Scrutiny
Retired General Giora Eiland has issued a stark warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting that Israel could face prolonged conflict in Gaza unless decisive action is taken following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Eiland, who previously authored a controversial strategy known as the 'Generals' Plan,' criticized the current military approach which has seen Israeli forces return to areas previously declared 'cleansed.' This month, Israeli troops have been operating around Jabalia, marking their third return to the area since the war began in October 2023. Despite claims of evacuating 45,000 civilians and killing hundreds of militants, the high civilian death toll has drawn widespread criticism and calls for increased humanitarian aid.
Many former military officials argue that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) risk becoming entrenched in an open-ended conflict, counter to their preferred approach of swift military actions. Former Southern Command chief Gen. Yom Tov Samia remarked that the government is acting against the core principles of Israeli security. The ongoing military operations have led to Palestinian accusations that Israel is implementing the Eiland Plan, which was designed to quickly evacuate civilians and starve out Hamas fighters. However, the IDF has denied following any such plan, with Eiland himself suggesting that the current actions do not align with his original strategy.
The Future of Israeli Operations in Gaza
Netanyahu has maintained that Israel's objectives are to return captives and dismantle Hamas's military capabilities without establishing a long-term presence in Gaza. However, critics point out that the government has failed to articulate a clear strategy for the aftermath of the conflict, which has already resulted in approximately 43,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction requiring significant international aid for recovery. Diverging views within Netanyahu's coalition, particularly between him and Defense Minister Yoav Galant, highlight the complexities of formulating a cohesive military and political strategy.
As the Israeli military's focus shifts towards Hezbollah in Lebanon, troop levels in Gaza have decreased from five divisions to two, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current operations. Despite estimates of substantial losses for Hamas, resistance fighters continue to conduct hit-and-run attacks against Israeli forces, complicating the military's efforts.
A former senior military official has stated that following Sinwar's death, there is little justification for ongoing Israeli presence in Gaza, advocating for targeted operations only if Hamas poses a renewed threat. While Netanyahu has denied intentions for a permanent military presence, pressure from hardline factions within his coalition may complicate future decisions regarding Israeli settlements in Gaza, particularly among pro-settler groups advocating for a return to areas evacuated in 2005.
