The first alternative, the least favored by the IDF and senior security officials, is a full conquest of Gaza, or in other words, a military government.

In light of the progress toward the objectives of Operation Gideon’s Chariots in Gaza, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir presented three alternative options this week for the period following its completion.

According to assessments by security sources, in a few weeks, Operation Gideon’s Chariots will come to fruition with the conquest of 75% of the Gaza Strip’s territory and the completion of all the goals set by the political echelon for the IDF.

The first alternative, the least favored by the IDF and senior security officials, is a full conquest of the Gaza Strip, or in other words, a military government.

This is a very significant operational challenge for two main reasons: such a move would place the hostages being held in Gaza City and the central camps at high risk, as they serve as human shields for senior Hamas officials, and it would heavily strain both the reserve and regular forces, as well as the IDF’s stockpiles, particularly the ground troops.

Additionally, it cannot be ignored that this involves a very large concentration of Palestinian population (over one and a half million Palestinians), and it would be difficult to move them all.

The second alternative involves surrounding Gaza City and the central camps, and transitioning to a strategy of attrition and raids by the IDF on Hamas strongholds from the air and ground. According to security sources’ assessments, Hamas commanders in the field are extremely exhausted from the fighting, and this type of combat may force them into a corner.

The third alternative is an agreement for the release of hostages, combined with a ceasefire that would allow the IDF to prepare for threats across all fronts and give breathing room to both the ground and air forces.

IDF kills over 1,200 terrorists since start of Gaza operation

According to the security cabinet discussions, the IDF has met all the timelines and objectives set by the political echelon. Since the start of Operation Gideon Chariots, more than 1,200 terrorists have been killed.

In just the past few days, over 100 terrorists were killed, including a naval force commander and seven senior terrorists who were sitting in a café. Contrary to reports, security sources claim that they were not innocent students. Additionally, a company commander from the Nukhba unit who participated in the massacre on October 7 and the direct murder of Israelis was killed.

The airstrike was precise, but because the ceiling was very weak, it collapsed onto the apartment below, accidentally killing the family members of a doctor who lived beneath it.

Senior officers in the Southern Command added that the achievements of Operation Gideon’s Chariots are very impressive in the underground arena, forcing the terrorists to shift to fighting above ground, where ground, air, and intelligence forces are working against them.

If Hamas responds negatively to a hostage deal, or if the political echelon refuses the proposed release plan, the political echelon will need to decide on the additional alternatives.