 "Operation Gideon’s Chariots: Is Israel planning a full-scale takeover of Gaza?")
Israel has formally approved a sweeping military and political plan that would amount to the most significant expansion of its presence in the Palestinian enclave since its withdrawal in 2005.
The move, aimed at reshaping the landscape of the conflict and possibly the region’s political future, includes the prolonged occupation of Gaza, the displacement of its population and the imposition of new systems of control.
The plan, approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, entails a prolonged military campaign followed by a sustained Israeli military presence in Gaza.
Though the timeline for implementation remains unclear, Israeli officials have signalled that the plan is ready to be activated, most likely after US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to West Asia.
Inside Israel’s op to “capture” Gaza
At the core of the newly approved policy is what Israeli leadership views as a decisive move to subdue Hamas and maintain control over captured areas.
Netanyahu stated in a video message posted to X that “there will be no in-and-out,” stating: “We’ll call up reserves to come, hold territory — we’re not going to enter and then exit the area, only to carry out raids afterward. That’s not the plan. The intention is the opposite.”
He added, “There will be a movement of the population to protect them,” in reference to plans to displace Gaza’s residents further south.
The operation has been named “Gideon’s Chariots,” and according to a senior Israeli security official, it was unanimously endorsed by the cabinet, reported CNN.
The official added that the plan’s full implementation will come only after Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar — a timeframe that Israel hopes may offer a final chance to reach a hostage agreement before full-scale operations resume.
“If no hostage deal is reached, Operation Gideon’s Chariots will begin with full force and will not stop until all its objectives are achieved,” the official said, quoted by CNN.
As part of the military posture, tens of thousands of reservists have already been called up, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly preparing for deeper incursions.
Netanyahu stated: “We are on the eve of a major entry into Gaza based on the recommendation of the General Staff,” suggesting that the Israeli military considers it time to “start the final moves.”
Population displacement to southern Gaza
The cabinet plan calls for the displacement of Gaza’s population to the southern parts of the enclave. Israeli officials argue this is necessary to protect civilians, but such actions have drawn international condemnation, with humanitarian groups warning of large-scale forced displacement.
The Israeli proposal of so-called “voluntary emigration” has also stirred controversy. Rights organisations and legal experts argue that it could amount to a war crime under international law.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly said, “We are finally going to conquer the Gaza Strip,” and indicated that once captured, Gaza could be subjected to discussions of sovereignty.
“Once we conquer and stay – we can talk about sovereignty (over Gaza). But I didn’t demand that it be included in the war’s objectives,” he said. “Once the maneuver begins – there will be no withdrawal from the territories we’ve captured, not even in exchange for hostages.”
What about the hostages?
The issue of Israeli hostages remains one of the most politically sensitive aspects of the conflict. Hamas-led fighters took around 250 hostages during their October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people in southern Israel.
Israel estimates that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, although approximately 35 are believed to be dead.
Brigadier General Effie Defrin, the IDF’s top spokesman, stated: “The top goal of the operation is the return of the hostages. After that — the collapse of Hamas rule, its defeat and subjugation — but first and foremost, the return of the hostages.”
His remarks appeared to contradict earlier declarations by Netanyahu, who had previously said the “supreme goal” of the war was the destruction of Hamas.
The mixed messaging has caused friction both within the government and in Israeli society. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticised Defrin, accusing him of being “confused into thinking that the army is above the political echelon.”
The government’s handling of the hostage crisis has also triggered backlash from families of those held captive. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum condemned the cabinet’s decision to escalate operations, urging leaders to prioritise hostage negotiations.
At a Knesset committee meeting, Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among the captives, made a direct appeal to soldiers: “Do not report for reserve duty for moral and ethical reasons.” Some reservists have reportedly said they will refuse to serve in what they increasingly view as a politically driven war, reported AP.
Blocking aid and a new delivery framework
Israel’s military campaign has been accompanied by a complete blockade of humanitarian aid since mid-March. That blockade — now in its ninth week — halted food, fuel, water and medical supplies, contributing to what observers describe as the most severe humanitarian crisis since the start of the war .
Israel claims the aid was suspended to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. However, critics argue this tactic constitutes collective punishment and may amount to a war crime.
The United Nations has described the Israeli blockade as “alarming,” with Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq saying, “The Secretary General is alarmed by these reports of Israeli plans to expand ground operations and prolong its military presence in Gaza.”
An alternative framework for aid delivery was approved by the Israeli cabinet but has yet to be implemented. According to US and Israeli officials, the proposed mechanism would bypass Hamas entirely, using an unnamed private foundation to coordinate humanitarian deliveries with safeguards against diversion.
The US State Department said international organisations and the United Nations are expected to work within the mechanism to ensure that supplies reach only Palestinian civilians.
However, this plan has also been met with rejection. Hamas accused Israel and its allies of using aid “as a tool for political blackmail.”
Aid groups working in the occupied territories criticised the arrangement, calling it an attempt to “reinforce control over life-sustaining items.”
A joint statement by humanitarian organisations insisted that “we will not participate in any scheme that does not adhere to the global humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.”
According to Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, the current system already has measures in place to prevent aid diversion. “We employ a solid system to monitor and prevent” such incidents, he stated, pushing back against Israeli claims that Hamas misappropriates aid.
What Gaza looks like today
Since the end of the previous ceasefire in mid-March, Israel has stepped up its air and ground assault on Gaza.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 2,400 Palestinians have been killed in the enclave since mid-March alone, and over 52,000 have died since the war began — many of them women and children. The statistics do not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
More than 90 per cent of Gaza’s population has now been displaced. The Israeli military reportedly controls around half of the territory. At least 42 people were killed by Israeli strikes between Sunday and Monday, according to hospital sources and Gaza’s health ministry.
The most recent military actions extended beyond Gaza. On Monday, the Israeli military carried out airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen’s port city of Hodeida , in response to a missile strike launched by the Iranian-backed group that hit Israel’s main airport the previous day.
The Houthis reported that at least six strikes targeted the Hodeida port, with others hitting a cement factory.
While Israel continues its push to dismantle Hamas militarily, many within and outside the country are raising questions about the long-term consequences of the strategy.
The absence of a clearly defined plan for governance in post-conflict Gaza, the potential violation of international legal standards, and the humanitarian toll all contribute to growing pressure on Israel from international allies and rights organisations alike.
With inputs from agencies
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
