by Amir Bohbot
Following the failed Qatar strike and international pressure, Israel faces a critical decision: agree to a hostage deal and ceasefire or proceed with a full-scale ground operation into Gaza City.
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Israel is approaching a decisive moment. Amid talks between the United States and Qatar, discussions with mediators, and global criticism of an airstrike in Doha, Jerusalem must now decide whether to pursue a ceasefire and hostage deal or proceed with a broad military operation to capture Gaza City.
Within the defense establishment, the debate continues over the feasibility and strategic implications of such an operation.
After a series of contacts between US and Qatari officials and meetings involving Israeli mediators, security officials say the government is close to a decision: either agree to a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages, or launch an offensive into the heart of the Gaza Strip.
Within the IDF, opinions are divided.
“Hamas’s military wing has stopped functioning as a wide organizational framework," a senior officer said this week. "As time passes, Hamas engages IDF soldiers less directly, instead choosing to target static Israeli positions selectively. The IDF enters this campaign strong and prepared, with intelligence on most of Hamas’s tactics, both above and below ground. However, the delay in maneuvering plays into Hamas’s hands, allowing it to regroup and better understand our operational capabilities.”
Quarter of a million Gazans relocate south
Following a campaign that included leaflet drops, loudspeaker announcements, and direct coordination with hospitals and humanitarian agencies, some 300,000 Palestinians have moved from Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip to a designated humanitarian zone in the south.Despite threats from Hamas, the relocation continues.
“The IDF is striking from the air and ground,” a senior military source said. “The scale of fire has sent a clear message that the army intends to move forward, and that this time it is serious.”
Fallout from failed strike in Qatar
The Israeli strike in Doha, reportedly aimed at Hamas leaders, failed to achieve its target, but its diplomatic and strategic impact continues to unfold.The incident has raised questions within the defense and intelligence communities about the Mossad’s historic handling of Hamas abroad and whether Israel might now initiate a broader campaign targeting the group’s leadership outside the Gaza Strip.
“There was a desire to strike senior Hamas leaders early on,” a security official said, “but the Americans did not like the idea at all.”
Security sources say the failed attack nevertheless rattled Hamas’s senior leadership and could improve the chances of a deal.
The strike also increased international scrutiny on Qatar, which hosts Hamas’s political bureau.
“It didn’t help Qatar’s image in the world,” one official said.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, who has clashed with cabinet ministers over various issues, continues to project resolve.
Under his leadership, the IDF has operated across multiple fronts, including strikes in Iran, Yemen, and Qatar, expanding operational boundaries not previously crossed.
Even before a possible offensive into Gaza City, the IDF has deepened its presence in the Gaza Strip. Though some senior officers have questioned the pace of the campaign, Zamir has overseen the systematic destruction of Hamas’s terror infrastructure, which took decades to build.
In internal discussions, he has said, “I will defeat Hamas.”
Defense minister and chief of staff rebuild ties
The relationship between Defense Minister Israel Katz and Zamir has been strained in recent months, including disagreements over appointments to the General Staff.The decision to bring a retired police commissioner into the forum broke with tradition, which typically sees personnel move from the IDF to the police, not the other way around.
In addition, Katz’s refusal to approve two major general appointments requested by Zamir was unprecedented and sparked tensions within military and political circles.
However, officials now say that with the latest appointments finalized, “the worst of the tension is behind them.”
A committee headed by Maj.-Gen. (res.) Sami Turgeman recently submitted a report containing sharp criticism of Zamir and his deputy, Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai. Its conclusions may lead to changes in the General Staff.
Zamir has delayed publication of the findings, citing operational readiness for the Gaza City campaign. The coming week is expected to be pivotal: either the IDF launches a full-scale ground maneuver, or Israel shifts to securing a hostage-release deal.
If the military operation does not move ahead, Zamir will be required to submit the report to the defense minister and release its conclusions publicly. At least one major general is expected to step down as a result.
Amir Bohbot
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-867396
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