Israel’s Defense Minister Proposes Strategy for Gaza War’s Next Phase

Israel’s Defense Minister has unveiled a plan for the next stage of the ongoing war in Gaza. This strategy outlines a shift in Israeli military operations to a new, scaled-back combat method in northern Gaza, while affirming the continuation of the conflict against Hamas in the southern part of the territory for as long as necessary.

In anticipation of a visit from the U.S. Secretary of State, the minister, Yoav Gallant, also detailed a proposal for governing Gaza post-Hamas. This plan involves Israel retaining security oversight, with the administration of daily affairs managed by a Palestinian body under Israeli guidance, and the U.S. and other nations overseeing reconstruction efforts.

Despite growing international pressure, Israel has not yet publicly articulated a clear post-war vision. This issue is expected to be a prominent topic in Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming discussions in Israel and other regional countries. The United States has urged Israel to adopt less intensive military operations in Gaza, specifically targeting Hamas, after almost three months of heavy bombardment and ground assaults.

The document issued by Gallant, titled “Vision for Phase 3” of the war, indicates that this phase has not yet commenced. It’s noted that these are Gallant’s personal ideas and not the official policy, which would need to be determined by Israel’s war and security cabinets.

Gallant, a member of both cabinets, appears to be positioning his plan to the Americans before other members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes factions favoring a more aggressive approach.

The ongoing Israeli campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 22,400 deaths, predominantly women and children, according to figures from the Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza. These numbers do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Following Hamas’s attack on October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and 240 abductions, Israel is committed to dismantling Hamas.

Much of northern Gaza, invaded by troops two months ago, is now in ruins. Footage from Gaza City shows extensive damage, with large areas of debris and collapsed buildings.

Currently, Israeli forces are engaged with Hamas militants in Khan Younis and central urban refugee camps in Gaza.

Approximately 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced. The siege has led to a humanitarian crisis, with a quarter of the population facing starvation due to inadequate supply access, as per the United Nations.

Moreover, continuous airstrikes and shelling in Gaza have led to the destruction of homes and civilian casualties.

One such Israeli strike in Muwasi, a rural area on Gaza’s southern coast designated as a safe zone, resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including a family of ten and three other children. Israel has not yet responded to this incident.

Under Gallant’s vision, the war will persist until Hamas’s military and governmental capacities are nullified, and over 100 hostages are freed. In northern Gaza, Israeli forces will adopt a new strategy involving raids, tunnel destruction, air and ground operations, and special missions aimed at diminishing Hamas’s presence. The plan for allowing the northern population to return is unspecified.

The approach in southern Gaza will remain combative for an indefinite period.

Post-war, Israel plans to maintain security control in Gaza, taking military actions when necessary and overseeing all incoming goods. Gallant also clarified that there would be no Israeli civilians in Gaza, dismissing suggestions for the resettlement of Jewish settlers.

Palestinian entities, potentially local administrators or community leaders, will oversee day-to-day operations in Gaza, guided by Israeli information. A multinational force led by the U.S. will manage the rebuilding process.

This vision of an Israeli-dominated Palestinian administration in Gaza contrasts sharply with U.S. aspirations for a revitalized Palestinian Authority and renewed negotiations for a Palestinian state beside Israel, a concept opposed by Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.

The recent killing of a top Hamas leader in Beirut by an apparent Israeli strike has raised concerns about the conflict extending to other Middle East regions, a topic likely to be high on Blinken’s agenda.

This incident has prompted warnings of retaliation from Hamas’s ally, the Lebanese Hezbollah militia, but no immediate escalation has occurred. Meanwhile, regional tensions have increased due to a U.S. airstrike in Iraq killing an Iranian-backed militia leader and ongoing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in key Red Sea shipping lanes.

Israel has intensified its military warnings to Hezbollah, demanding the withdrawal of its fighters from the border area in line with the 2006 U.N.-brokered ceasefire. Israel asserts that this withdrawal is essential for the safe return of tens of thousands of Israelis evacuated from northern communities.

Gallant has indicated a limited timeframe for diplomatic engagement with Hezbollah, emphasizing Israel’s determination to establish a new reality in the northern region to ensure the secure return of its citizens.