Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a robust military response to the devastating invasion by Hamas on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 900 Israelis and the abduction of over 100 others. Clues emerging from Israel’s military maneuvers in the Gaza Strip provide insight into their strategic approach.

Currently, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are focused on safeguarding Israeli territory surrounding Gaza. Simultaneously, they are conducting air and artillery strikes, targeting Hamas command centers, observation posts, and weapon depots within Gaza. The scope of these strikes, along with their diverse targets, suggests preparations for an imminent ground offensive. Additional signs of this impending ground operation are evident through the mobilization of IDF reservists and the suspension of energy, food, and water supplies in Gaza.

While these resource constraints undoubtedly affect innocent Palestinians, they simultaneously exert substantial pressure on Hamas by limiting their freedom of action and resource sustainability. The undercover Yamas border police unit is likely conducting covert operations deep within Gaza, while the Shaldag special forces unit of the Israeli Air Force may be directing airstrikes from within the territory. The efficacy of these special forces units is expected to be enhanced due to the unprecedented latitude granted to them. The Israeli government’s tolerance for IDF casualties has risen following the events of Saturday.

Israel is acutely aware that a ground incursion will result in casualties among both the IDF and Palestinian civilians. However, it is the only viable means of significantly weakening Hamas, both as a terrorist organization and a political entity. Consequently, Israeli forces are expected to concentrate their early ground operations on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, particularly around Rafah. This will involve disrupting tunnels and smuggling routes from Egypt, thereby curtailing Hamas’s supply lines. Furthermore, a ground offensive into northern Gaza is highly likely, with the potential for an IDF dissection operation in less densely populated areas of central Gaza. This dual approach would constrict Hamas’s mobility while facilitating subsequent Israeli operations.

The initiation of Israeli special forces operations to rescue hostages is also anticipated. Although these missions are high-risk endeavors, Israel boasts specialized units well-trained for such scenarios. These include the IDF’s Sayeret Matkal (comparable to Delta Force), the border force’s Yamam (equivalent to the FBI Hostage Rescue Team), and the navy’s Shayetet 13 (akin to the Navy SEALs). Given the substantial number of hostages held by Hamas, the group may struggle to conceal their locations or ensure that only their top personnel are assigned to guard them.

In summary, it appears that the IDF is poised to launch an extensive ground-air campaign lasting several weeks. Simultaneously, the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, may intensify its operations. The overarching strategic goal is to render Hamas incapable of conducting large-scale terrorist activities, marking a significant shift in the dynamics of this protracted conflict.

Source: with agencies