![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/annex-2.webp\")
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\nAccording 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.<\/p>\n
Maneuver, Stay, and Establishment of a New Security Zone<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Brief Window for a Hostage Deal Before the Ground Maneuver<\/strong> Even if such a deal occurs, Israel will not return any cleared areas \u2014 they will become permanent parts of its security perimeter.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Opposition Leader Lapid Opposes the Move<\/strong> The Security Cabinet unanimously approved Operation “Gideon’s Chariots,” aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages. Unlike previous operations, the IDF will remain on the ground, and cleared areas will become part of a permanent security zone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":21899,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[77,6],"tags":[1476,1477,1475,1480,1765,5173,1640,5172],"class_list":["post-21896","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-idf","category-security","tag-gaza","tag-hamas","tag-idf","tag-israel","tag-israel-katz","tag-operation-gideons-chariots","tag-rafah","tag-territory-annexation"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nIn contrast to past operations, the IDF will not withdraw from areas it captures, but will instead remain permanently \u2014 part of a new operational model in which every cleared area becomes part of a permanent security structure.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/annex-3.webp\")
\nThe IDF is preparing for an immediate ground maneuver, but there is currently a short window of time during the U.S. President\u2019s visit to the region, in which a hostage deal under the \u201cWitkoff model\u201d may materialize.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/annex-4.webp\")
\nOpposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the cabinet\u2019s 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 \u2014 it is only demanding sacrifices from the public. \u201cThe government can\u2019t ask citizens to pay more taxes and absorb more cuts while it hasn\u2019t slashed a single shekel from coalition funds,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"