Almost three years after the murderous massacre of October 7: There is a growing belief in the defense establishment that there will be no escape from renewing the ground maneuvers in the Gaza Strip - this time in the heart of Gaza City.
According to a report by military commentator Amir Buhbut on the Walla website, the IDF and the defense establishment estimate that despite political efforts to promote order and demilitarization in the Strip, Hamas continues to rebuild its military strength, rebuild terror infrastructures, and work to preserve its rule.
According to the report, as early as May, the commander of the Southern Command, Major General Yaniv Asor, presented a comprehensive operational plan to Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, which includes a return to fighting in Gaza City.
The plan includes stages of gradual occupation of the city, alongside the evacuation of the civilian population to new designated humanitarian areas.
A security source involved in the details of the plan told Walla that it is estimated that most of Hamas commanders, military wing operatives, and members of the organization's security apparatus are currently hiding in Gaza City, and therefore dismantling Hamas's military capabilities requires taking control of the area.
The report also indicates that in recent months, international efforts have been made to advance President Donald Trump's plan, which includes the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the transfer of control to the "Peace Council." However, the defense establishment was under the impression that Hamas did not intend to meet the conditions, and that it wanted to "buy time," avoid disarming, and continue rebuilding its military strength.
According to the report, in recent weeks, Hamas' military wing has felt a high level of self-confidence, given the meeting between Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Hamas leader Khalil al-Khayya.
According to estimates in the security establishment, Hamas subsequently began inflating kites that fell in Israeli territory as a preliminary step to incorporating incendiary or explosive materials.
The IDF was not quick to respond, but when estimates emerged in the army and Shin Bet that the next step would be to use drones against the forces, it was decided to return to the policy of targeted assassinations.
The defense establishment estimates that if there is no significant change in Hamas' behavior, there will be no escape from launching the next ground maneuver in the Strip, after the elections in Israel and the 'midterm elections' in the US - with the focus being Gaza City, which is currently considered the center of gravity of the organization's leadership and infrastructure.
