Title: Defense Minister Galant Reveals Israeli Strategy for Gaza Campaign
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Date: [Date]
The Minister of Defense, Yoav Galant, presented the Israeli strategy for the ongoing campaign in Gaza to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee during its meeting on Friday. This is the first time the committee members heard about the strategy since the beginning of the campaign.
Galant outlined that Israel has planned a campaign consisting of three regular stages. Currently, the military campaign is in its first phase, focused on using firepower and maneuvering to neutralize Hamas operatives and damage infrastructure. The second phase will involve continuing the fighting at a lower intensity and eliminating pockets of resistance. The final phase will focus on establishing a new security regime in Gaza, removing Israel’s responsibility for life in the Strip, and creating a new security reality for Israeli citizens and Gaza residents.
During the committee meeting, MK Yuli Edelstein, the chairman, affirmed that the IDF, security forces, and cabinet will be given the necessary scope of action to achieve victory. He emphasized that the committee will closely monitor the operations to ensure they align with the war’s goals and maintain civilian safety on the home front.
In preparation for a possible ground entry into Gaza, approximately 700,000 Gazans have already relocated to the south of the Strip. The IDF forces in assembly areas are standing ready, awaiting orders from the political echelon. The Southern Command has formulated new action plans, with the assistance of two experienced reserve officers, Brigadier General (res.) Moshe (Chico) Tamir and Colonel (res.) Yossi Bacher.
The upcoming fighting is expected to unfold in three stages: a long-duration ground maneuver, the stabilization of the area, and continued attacks and entries into the Strip as required. Additionally, Defense Minister Yoav Galant has convened a think tank to plan for the post-Hamas period, examining potential leadership and control of the Strip.
The think tank is also working on designing a buffer zone, a security strip spanning the entire Gaza Strip, where security forces will shoot anyone approaching. The aim is to restore security for the residents of surrounding areas, potentially facilitating their return home. In the meantime, intense fighting and rocket attacks into Israeli territory are expected to persist until the area is stabilized.
As the campaign continues, the Israeli government remains focused on achieving its strategic objectives while ensuring the safety and security of its own citizens and those living in Gaza.
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