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Zamir’s War Plan

IDF Chief: Israel needs 100,000 troops to take Gaza City

IDF prepares for one of its largest ground operations in Gaza City, with Chief of Staff Zamir approving deployment of 80,000+ troops. Operation aims to dismantle Hamas infrastructure.

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces are finalizing one of their most ambitious ground operations since the outbreak of the war, with Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir approving a massive troop deployment aimed at seizing Gaza City.

According to military officials, the plan, soon to be presented to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, calls for at least 80,000 soldiers, organized into multiple brigade-sized combat teams, to surround and advance into the heart of Gaza. The objective: dismantle Hamas’ command infrastructure and symbols of governance still operating in the city.

“This is a wide-scale maneuver designed to inflict a significant blow on Hamas, but the cost for our forces could be heavy,” one senior officer acknowledged.

Rapid advance, humanitarian complications

Unlike previous campaigns, the IDF does not intend to delay. Ground units, supported by the Air Force, are expected to push into new sectors within days to maintain pressure on Hamas. But commanders are already grappling with the likelihood that Israel will bear direct responsibility for humanitarian logistics, ensuring aid distribution to civilians until most are relocated to southern Gaza.

Photos from Gaza on Sunday showed thousands of displaced Palestinians in makeshift camps, awaiting transfer under a humanitarian framework coordinated by COGAT chief Rassan Aliyan and international agencies. Zamir has stressed that no full-scale incursion will begin until this aid system is in place.

Commanders on the ground

On Sunday, Zamir toured frontline positions inside Gaza alongside Southern Command head Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor and Operations Branch chief Maj.-Gen. Itzik Cohen.

According to military sources, the chief of staff “wanted to see the terrain firsthand, walk the routes, and hear directly from the field commanders before making final calls.”

He emphasized that forces would operate in areas where the IDF has yet to maneuver, requiring “sharpness, precision, and discipline” to reduce risks.

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir in Gaza
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir in Gaza (photo: IDF Spokesperson Unit)

Armored push and logistics race

Preparation for the campaign includes reinforcing the army’s armored corps. Merkava tanks, Namer and Eitan armored personnel carriers are being overhauled and upgraded, with the IDF’s Technology and Logistics Directorate accelerating work to meet tight deadlines.

Special resources are also being directed toward battlefield communications, ensuring coordination between air, naval, and ground units. Reserve forces are being mobilized for command centers and emergency headquarters. Deputy Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai has conducted his own review at Southern Command, delivering recommendations ahead of the expected launch.

The coming maneuver, officers caution, may redefine the scale and intensity of Israel’s war in Gaza, both militarily and in its humanitarian consequences.
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