Israel Launches Limited Incursion into Gaza Strip
Israel has responded to Hamas’s devastating assault on October 7 with its largest mobilisation in the nation’s history, though it was not the full-scale invasion some had anticipated. Current and former officials have revealed that the seemingly limited scope of Israel’s initial incursion, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the “second stage” of the war with Hamas, was driven by the desire to maximise Israel’s firepower advantage over its adversaries and minimise its own casualties. Additionally, Israel sought to avoid drawing other adversaries, such as Hezbollah, into the conflict.
On a tactical level, the smaller footprint of Israeli ground troops allowed for closer air support, which is crucial in areas of northern Gaza where Hamas has prepared defences for years. Former Deputy Commander of the Gaza Division of Israel’s military, Amir Avivi, emphasised the extensive artillery and air support employed during these manoeuvres.
This limited incursion is expected to be intense, as Hamas has extensively trained for urban combat and has built a vast network of tunnels nicknamed the “Gaza Metro” to move fighters and weapons undetected. The militant group also possesses anti-tank weapons and improvised explosive devices. Israel’s military has already engaged with Hamas militants emerging from a tunnel near the Erez border crossing, providing a glimpse into the battles to come.
Furthermore, the Israel Defense Forces have been cautious in gradually building up their forces to reduce the likelihood of Hezbollah potentially joining the conflict. Committing fewer troops in Gaza allows for easier deployment to the north if Hezbollah escalates its cross-border skirmishes, as per sources familiar with Israel’s battle plans.
Although the initial incursion seems less ambitious than toppling Hamas, it reflects Prime Minister Netanyahu’s pledge to destroy Hamas and remove it from the Gaza Strip. However, observers note that Israel has yet to clearly define its end objectives. Western diplomats and analysts believe that Israel aims to degrade both the military infrastructure and leadership of Hamas, but the extent of these goals remains uncertain.
Israeli officials maintain that they will not yield to international pressure to restrain their armed forces until Hamas is decisively defeated. They argue that the gradual advancement of ground forces will increase pressure on Hamas to release over 230 hostages captured on October 7. However, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warns that Israel may have less time than anticipated to achieve its goals, given the devastation inflicted on Gaza and the growing humanitarian crisis. The UN has expressed concern over Israel’s severe restrictions on supplies of essential resources to Gaza, warning of an impending collapse.
Israel’s initial incursions into Gaza took place near Beit Hanoun in the north and Bureij in the centre of the strip, suggesting a potential strategy to gradually surround Gaza City, which Israel claims serves as the base for much of Hamas’s military infrastructure. Israeli forces have reportedly moved 3-4 km inside Gaza but have not yet engaged in urban combat. The resistance encountered thus far has not been significant, leaving experts uncertain about Hamas’s capabilities and intentions.