Stage 2?
IDF Neutralizes Gaza Rocket Launchers Directed Towards Israel as US Pushes for New Peace Phase
IDF destroys Gaza rocket launchers amid fragile ceasefire; Trump pushes Phase B peace plan with multinational force and new governance, despite unresolved hostage crisis and Israeli security concerns.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Wednesday that troops located and destroyed two rocket launchers prepared for fire toward Israeli territory, highlighting ongoing security challenges despite a fragile ceasefire.
According to a statement from the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, the discoveries were made during targeted operations to dismantle remaining terror infrastructure along the "Yellow Line," the designated security boundary within the Strip.
1. Northern Gaza: Troops from the Northern Brigade identified a loaded rocket launcher aimed directly at Israel.
2. Southern Gaza: Forces from the 188th Armored Brigade located a multi-barrel launcher with a rocket placed alongside it.
Military officials stated that both sites were destroyed immediately. A security source noted that the equipment appeared to be older hardware positioned before the current ceasefire took effect in October.
The military activity comes amid reports of a significant diplomatic shift. Despite the fact that the body of the final remaining hostage, Staff Sgt. Maj. Ran Gvili, has not yet been returned, and Hamas has not fully disarmed, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly moving forward with plans to declare the start of "Phase B."
What is Phase B?
This second phase of the U.S.-led peace roadmap is expected to include:
While the U.S. administration is pushing for stabilization and the reconstruction of "New Rafah," Israeli officials have expressed concern. Critics argue that transitioning to Phase B while hostages remain in Gaza and terror groups retain weaponry may undermine the security achievements of the past year.
The Last Hostage
The fate of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old Yasam volunteer who was killed and abducted on October 7, remains a central point of contention. Israeli intelligence suggests that members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have specific information regarding the location of his remains. Israeli officials have warned that any long-term rehabilitation of Gaza remains contingent on the return of all captives.