The IDF’s strategy of entering, withdrawing, and re-entering hotspots has allowed Hamas to regroup and rebuild
By Hezy Laing
The world watched in astonishment as Israel achieved a rapid and effective aerial operation over Iran—a nation ten times its size in both population and geography.
But the incredible success in Iran has only succeeded to highlight the IDF’s prolonged struggle in Gaza, where Hamas remains entrenched after more than 18 months of war.
Gaza, by comparison, holds just a fraction of Israel’s population and occupies less than 5% of its landmass. Yet, despite months of military operations, Hamas continues to function in key areas.
Critics argue that the IDF’s repeated strategy of entering, withdrawing, and re-entering hotspots like Jabalia and Khan Younis has allowed Hamas to regroup and rebuild.
Some military analysts have labeled this a “strategic embarrassment”, saying the assumption that Hamas could be dismantled without full territorial control has proven unrealistic.
Former senior IDF commanders and defense officials have faulted earlier phases of the campaign for failing to hold ground, enabling Hamas to reestablish its presence.
While the current strategy under Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir—which focuses on maintaining positions and bypassing Hamas control in humanitarian logistics—is considered more effective, many believe it remains too cautious.
Meanwhile, the government has pledged to facilitate the emigration of hundreds of thousands of Gazans seeking to leave, even creating a special authority to expedite the process.
Yet, to date, only a few hundred have been allowed to depart.
This week brought fresh controversy.
Seven IDF soldiers were killed when a terrorist managed to approach their armored personnel carrier and hurl an incendiary device inside.
Compounding frustrations, it was also revealed that Hamas continues to intercept aid convoys, redirecting and selling the supplies to fund its war efforts.
The revelation enraged Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the National Religious Party, who threatened to leave the government coalition if humanitarian convoys were not halted immediately.
