Military strategy in hostile territory: Israel’s methodical offensive in the Gaza Strip
For several days, fighting has raged between the Israeli army and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. If the announcement of a “massive ground operation” had been mentioned, the Israeli offensive turns out to be more of a methodical advance. A strategy which aims to reduce losses and gain the advantage on terrain favorable to Hamas.
While Benjamin Netanyahu promised to “annihilate Hamas”, the Israeli army reacted immediately to the attack perpetrated by the Palestinian group by massively shelling the Gaza Strip. However, the announced “massive ground operation” turned into a methodical advance by the Israeli army. A tactic which aims to limit losses and take control of territory largely favorable to Hamas.
On the ground, alongside constant airstrikes, Israeli forces have carried out lightning incursions into the Gaza Strip to prepare the ground. Subsequently, they gradually penetrated into the Palestinian enclave via three different axes: the north, along the Mediterranean, at the Erez border post, and from the east. The objective was to cut the enclave in two and confine Hamas to a combat zone, particularly in Gaza City.
This advance of the Israeli army gave rise to violent clashes on the ground. However, the progression is slow and methodical so as not to fall into the traps that Hamas could have set up. Indeed, the Palestinian group had time to prepare and hide in the rubble of the urban area, making the task difficult for the Israeli army.
In addition, Hamas has a major asset: a network of underground tunnels that extends over 500 kilometers in the Gaza Strip. These tunnels make it possible to store equipment, weapons, explosives, but also to hide the group’s leaders. The Israeli army must therefore search and secure the area to eliminate this underground threat.
In this complex urban warfare, every move must be carefully planned to minimize casualties while achieving strategic objectives. The Israeli army is advancing cautiously, with tanks, armored vehicles and bulldozers, trying to gradually reduce Hamas’ space for action and suffocate the fighters to prevent them from escaping.
It is obvious that this long and difficult war will not be won quickly. Despite this, Israel remains committed to its goal of neutralizing Hamas and protecting the security and sovereignty of the country. The military strategy implemented in this offensive perfectly demonstrates Israel’s determination to face this terrorist threat in a methodical and calculated manner.. The outcome of this conflict remains uncertain, but it is certain that the battle will be fiercely contested in the days to come.