Southern Command Plans for Return to Gaza Fighting
The plan includes options for continued operations in Gaza, including a phased framework for several scenarios. According to a security source familiar with the details, it was developed by Southern Command together with the Air Force, Military Intelligence Directorate and Operations Directorate.
Southern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor has presented IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir with a plan for a possible return to fighting in the Gaza Strip.
The plan includes options for continued operations in Gaza, including a phased framework for several scenarios. According to a security source familiar with the details, it was developed by Southern Command together with the Air Force, Military Intelligence Directorate and Operations Directorate.
The plan also includes evacuation measures and the relocation of Gaza’s civilian population to new humanitarian zones before expanded combat operations.
The source said the timing of any renewed fighting in Gaza depends heavily on developments in the broader regional war, particularly the situation with Iran. A last-minute agreement between the United States and Iran could bring the IDF closer to resuming combat against Hamas in Gaza. By contrast, renewed fighting with Iran or an expanded campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon could delay a Gaza operation indefinitely.
Security officials reportedly assess that the chances of Iran agreeing to a nuclear deal are “slim to none,” leaving the three arenas, Iran, Lebanon and Gaza, highly unstable. The decision on where to focus military action will ultimately depend on priorities set by the political leadership.
At the same time, the IDF Operations Directorate, led by Maj.-Gen. Itzik Cohen, has ordered the transfer of Division 98 from Lebanon to the Gaza Strip. The move comes as the army prepares for the possibility that the ceasefire framework in Gaza will collapse.
Walla also reported that US envoy to Gaza Nickolay Mladenov is making a final behind-the-scenes push to advance President Donald Trump’s Gaza points plan. The plan includes the demilitarization of Gaza and the transfer of authority from Hamas to another governing body.
So far, however, the effort has not produced progress. Mladenov is reportedly holding confidential talks in an attempt to create a breakthrough, but Israeli security officials have expressed pessimism to the political leadership over the chances that Hamas will agree to disarm.
According to information presented by Military Intelligence chief Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder to Defense Minister Israel Katz, Hamas is continuing to partially rehabilitate Gaza under its control. Israeli officials say the terrorist organization is also working to rebuild its military wing and prepare for another round of fighting against Israel.
The report comes as Israeli defense officials warn that Hamas has nearly restored civilian control over much of Gaza during the ceasefire, while continuing to reject the central demand that it give up its weapons.