"Gideon's Chariots": Here's what's going to happen in Gaza if Hamas doesn't accept Witkoff's hostage deal 

Israel’s Political-Security Cabinet unanimously approved Operation "Gideon's Chariots" yesterday, a comprehensive military plan to defeat Hamas in Gaza, dismantle its capabilities, and secure the release of all hostages.

The operation, crafted by the IDF Chief of Staff and command, and endorsed by the Defense Minister and Prime Minister, signals a dramatic escalation in Israel’s response to the ongoing conflict.

Key Objectives and Strategy

The IDF will bolster its forces and launch intensive operations to:

A strong defensive framework will support ground, air, and sea operations, employing heavy equipment to neutralize explosives and demolish threatening structures. The operation adopts the "Rafah model," where threats were eliminated, and the area was integrated into a permanent security zone.

Mass Evacuation and Humanitarian Measures

A cornerstone of the plan is the large-scale evacuation of Gaza’s civilian population from combat zones, particularly northern Gaza, to southern areas. This aims to separate civilians from Hamas operatives, granting the IDF operational freedom. Unlike previous operations, the IDF will retain control of subdued areas to ensure no return of terrorist activity.

A humanitarian blockade will persist until operations begin and evacuations are underway. Only then will a Cabinet-approved IDF humanitarian plan be implemented, using civilian companies to deliver aid in a secure, IDF-controlled zone near Rafah. A "sterile" area beyond the Morag axis will screen entrants to block Hamas operatives, ensuring aid does not reach the terror group.

Hostage Deal and Security Zone

The operation’s timeline allows a window until the U.S. President’s regional visit concludes to pursue a hostage deal based on the “Witkoff model.” If successful, Israel will retain cleared areas within an expanded security zone beyond the March lines. Regardless of any temporary or permanent agreement, Israel will maintain its security zone around Gaza to protect communities and prevent arms smuggling to Hamas.

Should no deal materialize, Operation "Gideon's Chariots" will proceed with unrelenting force until all objectives are achieved, including the voluntary relocation of Gaza residents, particularly those in the south outside Hamas’s control.

With the IDF poised for action, the coming weeks will test Israel’s resolve to end Hamas’s reign of terror and bring its hostages home.

Source: Security Official Statement