The Security Cabinet unanimously approved the IDF’s new operational plan, named Operation “Gideon’s Chariots”, a large-scale campaign aimed at defeating Hamas in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages, according to a senior political source.
The plan was developed by the Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, and the IDF’s General Staff, approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and is expected to be implemented with significant intensity across all domains — land, air, and sea.
According to a security official, the operation will involve the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, utilizing heavy equipment, dismantling explosives, and eliminating threatening infrastructure. Advanced protective systems will cover maneuvering forces, and direct pressure will be applied on Hamas to release the hostages.
Maneuver, Stay, and Establishment of a New Security Zone
In contrast to past operations, the IDF will not withdraw from areas it captures, but will instead remain permanently — part of a new operational model in which every cleared area becomes part of a permanent security structure.
Rafah was cited as an example in the cabinet discussion, where the IDF claims all threats have been neutralized and the area is now under full Israeli control. Consequently, Israel will promote the establishment of a new security buffer zone around Gaza, which will not be relinquished, even as part of future agreements.
As part of the plan, residents of northern Gaza will be instructed to evacuate southward to create a clear separation between the civilian population and Hamas militants, and to enable operational freedom for IDF forces. Once significant civilian evacuation is achieved, a humanitarian program will be initiated under strict supervision to prevent aid from reaching Hamas, and will be implemented by civilian organizations in a designated and controlled area monitored by the IDF.
Brief Window for a Hostage Deal Before the Ground Maneuver
The IDF is preparing for an immediate ground maneuver, but there is currently a short window of time during the U.S. President’s visit to the region, in which a hostage deal under the “Witkoff model” may materialize.
Even if such a deal occurs, Israel will not return any cleared areas — they will become permanent parts of its security perimeter.
If no deal is reached, the operation will proceed in full force and will not stop until its goals are met: the dismantling of Hamas rule, release of the hostages, and strengthening Israeli deterrence in and around Gaza.
Opposition Leader Lapid Opposes the Move
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the cabinet’s decision, warning that no one fully understands the real implications of the move. According to him, while the war is incredibly costly, the government is not cutting its own expenses — it is only demanding sacrifices from the public. “The government can’t ask citizens to pay more taxes and absorb more cuts while it hasn’t slashed a single shekel from coalition funds,” he said.
