What it’s about
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi held a high-level security meeting to strategize the shift to Phase 3 of the IDF’s Rafah operation. The operation, designed to dismantle Hamas in southern Gaza, is set to intensify, with recommendations to focus on strategic raids and hold ground in the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border.
Why it matters
The focus of Phase 3 signifies a crucial step in Israel’s pursuit to secure its borders from Hamas aggression while conducting precise operations to cripple Hamas’ infrastructure. By holding ground in the Philadelphi Corridor, the IDF aims to thwart smuggling of weapons, ensuring greater regional stability and curtailing Hamas’ operational capacities. This offensive could also impact ongoing hostage negotiations, highlighting Israel’s unwavering stance on the security and safety of its citizens.
Details
During the security assessment in the Southern Command, attended by top military and intelligence officials, decisions were made to transition IDF operations to targeted raids aiming deeper inside Gaza territory. The strategy emphasizes sustained pressure on Hamas to secure a potential hostage deal while dismantling its operational networks.
Deployment and Tactics
Regular IDF divisions will spearhead the upcoming raids, targeting key areas previously flagged during the operation. The 98th Brigade, alongside the 7th and Paratroopers Divisions, has already showcased their readiness through recent successful incursions in Shijaiyah and Zeitoun neighborhoods in Gaza City. These operations have impeded Hamas’ ability to reconstitute its militant infrastructure significantly.
Operational Challenges
The delays in transitioning to Phase 3 were partly due to stringent concerns regarding Hamas strongholds in Rafah and diplomatic objections from the US and Egypt. However, successful IDF evacuations and tactical reorganizations have maintained momentum, minimizing regional resistance. Brigadier 162’s operations in Rafah have already resulted in substantial disruptions to Hamas, evidenced by the elimination or injury of approximately 700 operatives. Many remaining militants have resorted to guerrilla warfare or fled to other locations such as Khan Younis, suggesting the weakening of their organizational strength.
Future Prospects
As Phase 3 proceeds, the IDF will persist with intelligence-based raids to exterminate leadership figures and destroy entrenched infrastructure. Additionally, the prolonged presence in the Philadelphi Corridor serves to continuously hinder weapon smuggling across the Egypt-Gaza border.
International Engagement
The operations require the cooperation of both Egypt and the U.S. As the IDF commits to exterminating tunnel networks and explosive devices in the Philadelphi Corridor, sustained approvals from these attainments underline Israel’s strategic foresight and operational transparency in ensuing regional security.
Egypt’s Position
Cairo has reiterated its stance favoring a complete IDF withdrawal from Rafah, emphasizing an internal Palestinian resolution post-conflict. Egyptian authorities remain firm against deploying Egyptian forces in Gaza, focusing instead on facilitating broader peace agreements. Nevertheless, Gallant’s reassurance of continued operations ensures that Hamas’ capabilities remain continually neutralized.
The Bottom Line
Operation Rafah’s transition to its final phase highlights Israel’s meticulous approach to securing its borders while diplomatically engaging regional allies. The persistent drive to stave off Hamas’ militancy and prevent arm smuggling upholds Israel’s broader strategy for enduring peace and regional stability.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.