Israeli defense establishment prepares for military operations in Gaza City

Approaching the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks, assessments within Israel's defense establishment suggest that Hamas continues to rebuild its military strength and infrastructure. According to a report by the Walla website citing defense sources, the IDF is reviewing a plan to return to Gaza City. Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, head of the Southern Command, presented an operational plan to Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir in May, which includes stages for the gradual takeover of the city and the evacuation of civilians to humanitarian zones. Defense officials believe that most Hamas commanders and security personnel are currently hiding in Gaza City, making control of the area essential to dismantling the group's military capabilities. Despite diplomatic efforts to advance a plan attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump for the demilitarization of Gaza and a transfer of control, Israeli security agencies conclude that Hamas has no intention of complying, instead seeking to buy time to rebuild its forces.