Israeli Tanks Enter Northern Gaza in Preparation for Ground Offensive Against Hamas
Israeli tanks have been deployed in northern Gaza as part of preparations for a ground offensive against Hamas, following a warning from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Footage released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shows tanks, armored vehicles, and bulldozers crossing into the enclave and seemingly opening fire. This incursion is believed to be the start of a series of operations by Israel’s military commanders, known as shaping operations, to ready the ground for a larger armored assault.
The IDF referred to the brief targeted raid as part of its preparations for the next stage of combat, with troops striking numerous terrorists, terror infrastructure, and anti-tank missile launch posts. Netanyahu had earlier stressed in a televised address that Israel was prepared to launch a ground offensive and boasted that thousands of terrorists had already been eliminated, vowing that every single member of Hamas was doomed. Israel has been intensively bombarding the Gaza Strip for over two weeks and is determined to eliminate Hamas, particularly in light of the attacks that occurred on October 7.
However, any ground push into the densely populated area will likely encounter formidable Hamas defenses, including fortified tunnels and booby traps. The potential for heavy casualties on all sides, including civilians, is a major concern. The Hamas-controlled health department claims that more than 7,000 people have already been killed by Israeli bombardment. The timing of a possible offensive is further complicated by ongoing efforts to secure the release of over 200 hostages held by Hamas and the fear that Iran-backed Hezbollah could open a new front from Lebanon.
The recent Israeli raid serves as a clear message that ground assaults or a full-scale invasion could happen at any time. Military experts suggest that Israel is likely to continue with similar incursions in the coming days to establish the conditions necessary for a larger ground offensive. These raids would involve breaching outer defenses, clearing routes of landmines, and neutralizing tunnels and firing points. As these incursions progress, the IDF would secure crucial footholds within Gaza, effectively commencing the ground offensive.
Experts anticipate that the upcoming offensive will closely involve a series of intense micro-sieges for control over key territories. Urban combat typically requires the attacking side to outnumber the defenders by at least 10 to 1. Israel’s force, however, is projected to be only three times the size of Hamas due to other military commitments throughout the country. This suggests that the fighting will be arduous, bloody, and slow-paced.
Israeli commanders will likely decide between a full clearance operation or targeted clearance of Hamas command posts, strongholds, and hostage prisons. Nevertheless, both options pose difficulties, including a high risk of civilian casualties. As the conflict continues, news coverage and digital misinformation are likely to further intensify polarization and division among supporters on both sides, possibly escalating from protest to violence.
According to Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Relations, one potential Israeli strategy is to create smaller, separated enclaves within Gaza and establish extensive sterile areas deep into the territory. It is also conceivable that Israel may consider reducing the size of the strip and closing all border crossings, effectively relinquishing its responsibility for the area and aiming to establish a new security reality.
Former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers suggests that Israel may contemplate sealing off the entire Gaza Strip with a double barrier while shutting down all border crossings into Israel. However, the question of who would administer Gaza and its citizens would remain unanswered, as Israel has no desire to reoccupy the strip.
The Battle of Gaza is likely to be a brutal and protracted struggle, consisting of localized and transnationalized sieges. Maintaining optimism about the outcome is challenging given the circumstances. The article emphasizes the importance of adhering to the mentioned guidelines to provide a balanced view while optimizing content for search engine visibility.
