Limited operations along the “line of contact”. Intervention by “teams” consisting of special forces supported by tanks and bulldozers. Infiltration of commando troops. Israel is relying on more flexible tactics as the divided government must decide whether to invade the Gaza Strip.
In the last few hours, the units have been carrying out operations in the outskirts of the Gaza Strip. This was confirmed by the General Staff and reported by the Palestinians. A fairly intense firefight occurred east of Khan Younis, resulting in one soldier dying, while the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades claimed major casualties. Similar skirmishes to those on the northern border with the Lebanese Hezbollah. Defenses are tested, reconnaissance work is carried out, “discoverers” collect data for subsequent initiatives.
The goals
The Israelis pursue two goals with hit-and-run maneuvers. The first is to closely examine the terrain and look for hidden positions, tunnels and new holding points created by the militiamen. And this is necessary regardless of whether there will be a land offensive or not.
The second, even more complex task is to identify all useful leads related to the drama of hostages in the hands of various kidnappers. Perhaps the secret service received some information over time. Who knows whether the two released American women – a mother and her daughter – were able to help with the investigation. Sometimes a little is enough.
However, Hamas is an expert, it has carried out several kidnappings without ever showing the side of a “mole”, since it has always taken inflexible measures and has a limited and completely trustworthy number of prison guards. This time he has to keep an eye on dozens of people, which poses an additional challenge. Considering that Gaza is under massive attacks, the intensity of which will increase and result in high casualties among civilians and guerrillas. Local sources estimate 5,000 victims since the crisis triggered by the attack on October 7th began.
The galleries
The buildings are destroyed by bombs, possible tunnels that the militiamen used are blown up, rocket batteries are washed away and the houses of representative personalities are destroyed. And this also happens in populated places, as not everyone has migrated south. The pressure campaign is linked to the elimination of leaders who were always approved and announced by storm by the executive branch led by Prime Minister Netanyahu. Public opinion blames him for his failure and calls for a response to the massacre carried out by militia members that left over 1,400 dead.
Revenge
Hence the raids to eliminate the instigators and perpetrators of the events a few weeks ago. A revenge entrusted to a new unit codenamed Nili, led by the Shin Bet internal service (with the support of Defense), but above all drones and fighters. A retaliation in concentric circles that led to the killing of around thirty people from the Palestinian scene.
Members of the Executive Council, such as Jamila al Rantisi and Jawad Abu Shamala. Then the officers: Alì Qadi, one of the commanders of Nukhba, the brigade involved in the attack; Ayman Nofal, Head of Central Sector; Morad Abu Morad, head of the hang gliding department; Bilal Khedra, accused of plotting the attack on two kibbutzim; Muhammad Ketmash, number two in the “Rocket Division”. Finally, the “outsiders”, a judicial figure, a religious figure, security guards, family members of Mohammed Deif, the leader of the military army, and of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the faction in Gaza.
Not everyone is sure they are dead, Jerusalem is convinced, the Palestinians have only confirmed the deaths of a few. The many truths, the versions, the fog of propaganda are the constant in every step of the conflict.