Dim Amor

The IDF launched a widespread military operation in the Gaza Strip today called "Gideon's Chariots", as part of the ongoing effort in the "Iron Swords" war. The new operation marks a significant transition in the fighting from "Oz and Sword" to "Gideon's Chariots", aimed at returning the hostages and eliminating Hamas rule in Gaza.

In a dramatic statement delivered near the Gaza Strip border in the Zikim area, IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Efi Dafrin announced that the new operation is being carried out under the direction of the political echelon, and that IDF forces have already begun extensive operational activities. "We are launching this operation to achieve all the war objectives in Gaza, returning the hostages and collapsing Hamas rule", said Dafrin.

According to the IDF spokesperson, as part of the new operation, five divisions are now operating in the Gaza Strip, after the "opening strike" of the operation began in recent nights. The army conducted extensive reserve mobilization in preparation for the operation, and according to Dafrin, "The reservists understand the urgency of the hour and the magnitude of the moment" and have reported for duty in high numbers.

The operation is based on three central principles, as detailed by the IDF spokesperson. The first principle is achieving operational control in areas where the IDF operates, clearing these areas of enemy forces, and targeting terrorist infrastructure both above and below ground. The second principle focuses on moving civilian populations from combat zones for their protection, while simultaneously damaging Hamas's governance capabilities. The third and final principle aims to target Hamas's command and control system, its commanders, and its remaining capabilities, until achieving complete military and governmental collapse.

"Unlike before, we are now concentrating offensive efforts in the Gaza Strip and carrying out attacks until decisive victory in the areas where we operate", emphasized Dafrin, hinting that the current operation would be more intensive than its predecessors.

In his statement, the IDF spokesperson recalled that the army recently declared it was preparing for widespread action as long as Hamas holds hostages, and clarified that "now the threat is being realized". According to him, the IDF will act to divide the Strip and increase operational control over it, while implementing operational lessons learned from the fighting thus far.

Brigadier General Dafrin emphasized that the operation is being conducted in full coordination with the Hostages and Missing Persons Directorate, and that the army "is doing everything possible to prevent harm to the hostages". According to him, "They are always before our eyes. We will not rest until they return".

Earlier today, the IDF Chief of Staff conducted a situation assessment with commanders of Division 162 in the Gaza Strip area, and emphasized to the forces that the IDF will know how to adapt to any development. "We are moving forward, and the only thing that can stop us is the return of our hostages home", Dafrin said, adding that "the IDF will provide the political echelon with all necessary flexibility in order to return the hostages".

In addition to the combat forces, Dafrin noted the contribution of technology and logistics personnel, both regular and reserve, whom he described as "full of experience and motivation". According to him, "They too are at the front, ready and willing to support and enable the operation over time, under combat conditions, as they have done until now".

The IDF spokesperson refrained from revealing additional details about the operation, noting that "ambiguity is a means, we will not share our plans with Hamas, they will see actions on the ground". Nevertheless, he promised to continue to update according to operational developments.

Operation "Gideon's Chariots" comes after a prolonged period of fighting in the Gaza Strip and marks a significant escalation in Israel's war effort. The army makes it clear that it is determined to achieve the objectives of the war through extensive and coordinated action, which will include enhanced operational control, protection of civilians, and striking Hamas capabilities.

According to the statement, Operation "Gideon's Chariots" is "another phase" in an ongoing campaign, and it appears that the IDF plans to continue fighting until achieving its declared objectives – returning the hostages and collapsing Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip.

In his public statement, Brigadier General Dafrin repeatedly emphasized the IDF's determination to act "with full force" to realize the war's objectives and protect Israeli citizens, while promising that "we are acting as a defensive line before civilians everywhere and will continue to do so".

Operation "Gideon's Chariots" marks a new and intensive phase in the war in the Gaza Strip, as the IDF deploys significant military power to achieve its objectives. The central emphasis in the spokesperson's statement remains the return of the hostages and removing the threat from Hamas, while the army makes it clear that it will not stop the operation until fully achieving these goals.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson