The Israeli cabinet approved the IDF operational plan to dismantle Hamas and free all remaining hostages. The operation will involve the reinforcement of troops, a broad civilian evacuation from combat areas, and the long-term presence of Israeli forces in areas that are captured. Prior to the operation's launch, Israel will allow a short "window of opportunity" for a hostage deal based on the "Wittkoff Model." Should no agreement be reached, the operation will begin at full force.
The plan, formulated by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and top military brass, and approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for a substantial troop surge to decisively defeat Hamas and eliminate its military and governing capabilities. It also outlines a robust defensive envelope for maneuvering forces, integrating air, land, and sea assets, along with the use of heavy engineering equipment to neutralize explosives and demolish threatening structures.
A major element of the strategy is the comprehensive evacuation of Gaza's civilian population from active combat zones, including northern Gaza, to southern areas of the strip. This move is intended to clearly distinguish between civilians and Hamas terrorists, thereby granting the IDF full operational freedom.
IDF to remain in captured territories
Unlike in previous operations, the IDF will maintain a permanent presence in any areas it captures in order to prevent the return of terrorist activity. Areas cleared of Hamas control will be managed in line with the "Rafah Model," which saw the total neutralization of threats and their incorporation into the broader Israeli security perimeter.
On the humanitarian front, the current blockade on Gaza will remain in place. Only after the start of combat operations and the extensive evacuation of civilians to the south will a humanitarian aid plan be activated. This plan, presented by the IDF and approved by the cabinet, aims to ensure a strict separation between aid and Hamas through the use of civilian companies and secure humanitarian zones guarded by Israeli forces.
A senior security source noted that the force deployment phase prior to ground maneuvering will provide a brief opportunity to reach a hostage deal under the "Wittkoff Model." This window is expected to remain open until the end of the upcoming visit by the President Trump to the region. If a deal is reached, Israel aims to retain control over any cleared areas and formally incorporate them into the security buffer zone.
It was emphasized that in any future arrangement, temporary or permanent, Israel will not withdraw from the security buffer zone around Gaza. This zone is designed to protect Israeli communities near the Strip and prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas.
If no hostage deal is reached during the designated window, Operation Gideon's Chariots will commence with full force and will not cease until all of its objectives are met, according to an official statement.
In addition, the operation includes a program for the voluntary relocation of Gaza residents, particularly those who are concentrated in the southern part of the Strip and outside Hamas control. This is also listed among the stated goals of the operation.
