Two months after the start of the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army is preparing for a change in strategy, according to a media report. Israeli broadcaster N12 reported today, citing military circles, that the next step would be to withdraw troops mainly to a buffer zone about a kilometer wide in the Gaza Strip, close to the border fence with Israel.
In the new phase – for which no timetable was provided – selective deployments of land and naval troops, as well as the air force, are planned against Hamas. Most reservists should be released back into everyday life during this phase. The broadcaster reported that regular troops should then continue the war against Hamas.
Chief of the General Staff expects “many” more months of war
Israel now assumes that a victory over Islamist Hamas is only possible as part of a “war of attrition”. This can take many months or even years. “To create a new reality in Gaza, in addition to the military struggle, a political and economic process is also necessary,” he continued.
Israel's Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, said he expected the war in the Gaza Strip to continue “for many months.” “There are no shortcuts to dismantling a terrorist organization, just a determined and persistent fight,” Halevi said during a televised visit to the Gaza border. “We will also contact the Hamas leadership, whether it takes a week or months.”