Evacuation, encirclement & reconstructing the Netzarim Corridor: The IDF's plan to conquer Gaza

A week after the Israeli Cabinet decided to take over Gaza City, IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir approved the “operational concept” for the maneuver on Wednesday, which is expected to be launched soon.

This comes despite disagreements between the IDF high command and the political leadership over the danger to the hostages’ lives and in light of the exhaustion faced by soldiers, who have been fighting continuously for nearly two years.

These are the stages of the operational plan approved by Zamir:

First, a large-scale evacuation of civilians from Gaza City will be carried out. According to current estimates, more than 800,000 Gazans are located in the city.

The Israeli security establishment is preparing to begin the evacuation in about two weeks.

Following the relocation, IDF troops will encircle the city and isolate it from the central refugee camp area and the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone by reconstructing the Netzarim Corridor. Then, according to the plans, the IDF will begin an intensive operation inside Gaza City, accompanied by extensive Air Force strikes.

The operational plan was approved while the IDF continues to warn – even amid Wednesday's situation assessment – of the danger to the hostages’ lives.

Against the backdrop of tensions between the IDF High Command and the political echelon, efforts are being made to arrange a “reconciliation meeting” between Chief of Staff Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz later on Thursday.

As part of preparations for the operation, the IDF has withdrawn most of its forces from the Gaza Strip in recent days, leaving only five brigades – about one-third of the forces that took part in Operation “Gideon's Chariots.”

The reduction in forces aims to allow soldiers time to rest, conduct brigade training ahead of the maneuver, and prepare engineering equipment in advance.

The IDF is working on minimizing the number of reservists in order to allow regular forces to join the conquest of Gaza City.

IDF troops have already begun operating in the Zeitoun neighborhood, located on the outskirts of Gaza City.

At the same time, Israel is making efforts to further increase the humanitarian aid entering the Strip.

In addition, COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories) is preparing areas south of Gaza City where essential infrastructure will be set up, including water, food, and medical services.