‘A high-risk but potentially effective strategy’
By Hezy Laing
With negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza reaching a dead end, senior military officials and government leaders are signaling a shift toward decisive military action. Brig. Gen. (res.) Amir Avivi and Lt. Col. (res.) Yaron Buskila have both outlined strategies that reflect a growing consensus: Hamas is unwilling to release the hostages, and Israel must now consider forceful alternatives.
Avivi stated that Israel had pursued a hostage deal with full commitment, but Hamas’s refusal—coupled with reports of hostages being abused and starved—left no choice but to act.
He described a high-risk but potentially effective strategy: dismantling Hamas, occupying the Gaza Strip, and surrounding hostage locations to pressure terrorists into surrender.
“Surround the places where the hostages are being held and tell the terrorists: ‘It’s over. If you want money and go to Sinai – give us our hostages.’” — Brig. Gen. (res.) Amir Avivi
“There may be tragedies,” Avivi admitted, “but there is no other way.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to expand operations in Gaza, including areas previously avoided due to hostage concerns—such as western Khan Yunis and Deir el-Balah.
Several hostages have already been freed by Israeli forces in daring operations.
Lt. Col. Buskila, a former special operations officer, said that the other option, surprise tunnel raids, are nearly impossible due to booby traps and surveillance.
But he said military pressure can still be effective.
By surrounding hostage sites and applying pressure, Israel could force Hamas into concessions at a lower cost than previous demands.
Buskila warned that Hamas currently feels emboldened—buoyed by international support and confident in its control of Gaza.
The release of images showing hostages in deteriorating condition underscores the urgency.
“If the IDF operates over every tunnel opening and isolates Hamas,” he said, “it may shift the dynamic entirely.”
The goal, according to both experts, is not necessarily a dramatic rescue like Entebbe, but a sustained campaign of pressure that forces Hamas to reconsider its position.
Even if such operations fail, they send a clear message: Israel will not compromise on the lives of its citizens.
As Hamas raises its demands, the IDF’s evolving strategy reflects a sobering reality—military pressure may be the only remaining path to bring the hostages home.
