Heavy explosives, forced evacuations: Details of “Chariots of Gideon 2” Operation in Gaza

Alongside the approval of this large-scale offensive plan by the Israeli cabinet—which marks a new phase of genocidal war against Gaza—military preparations for the next stage have also become apparent.

Following recent remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described Gaza City and the central camps of the enclave as Hamas’ “last stronghold,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Friday: “We have approved the IDF’s plan to resolve the battle against Hamas in Gaza through heavy firepower, evacuation of civilians, and ground maneuvers. Soon, the gates of hell will open on Hamas in the Gaza Strip—until it accepts Israel’s conditions for ending the war, including the release of all abductees (Israeli captives) and the disarmament of the movement. If Hamas refuses, Gaza City—the capital of Hamas—will become another Rafah or Beit Hanoun.”

Meanwhile, the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported Friday that, according to intelligence available to the Israeli army, Hamas has resumed repairing its tunnels, even in areas previously targeted by Israeli operations. The army also estimates that significant underground networks remain in Gaza City, some of which were not uncovered during the IDF’s first ground maneuver there about a year and a half ago.

According to Hebrew media, the IDF plans to replicate some of the tactics used in “Chariots of Gideon 1” in the new operation. These include opening new dividing lines around Gaza City—beyond the Netzarim axis, which already bisects the Strip—alongside demolishing buildings and reducing them to rubble, as was carried out on a wide scale in Rafah and Khan Younis in recent months.

Israeli data shows that, for example, in the Abasan neighborhood east of Khan Younis, paratrooper units have destroyed over 2,000 buildings in recent months, some of them three or four stories high.

The occupation army claims these demolitions were necessary because the buildings had been used—or could be used—by Hamas fighters and as access points to re-excavated tunnels.

Yedioth Ahronoth, citing a senior Israeli commander involved in the Gaza war who remained anonymous, reported: “These buildings allow Hamas fighters to emerge from tunnels and dig new ones. That is why there is critical importance in their complete destruction, not just partial damage.”

A new phase of genocide and destruction

Under the IDF’s new plan, the massive demolition of buildings in Gaza City will cause even greater atrocities, with large numbers of civilians massacred. Unlike the relatively low-rise structures in towns like Khan Younis or Beit Hanoun, Gaza City—though geographically small—is filled with high-rise buildings. Despite being damaged during the war, many remain standing.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that to destroy 10–15 story towers, mostly located in western Gaza neighborhoods such as Sabra, Rimal, and Sheikh Ajleen, the IDF will need not only heavy engineering equipment but also vast amounts of explosives—some of which have already been depleted after the prolonged fighting since October 7, 2023.

According to the report, a broad ground maneuver will likely not begin until next month, as it is tied to Israel’s efforts to evacuate nearly one million Gaza City residents to the south. Preparations will be overseen by the Southern Command, with initial units expected to encircle Gaza City and gradually advance toward its western neighborhoods where high-rise towers still stand.

Afterward, the offensive phase will begin, including in-depth planning of troop movements, attack timelines, logistical preparations, final training, and force buildup along the border and the Netzarim axis—alongside preliminary airstrikes.

Israel has approved this sweeping invasion plan under the name “Chariots of Gideon 2” despite widespread criticism within its own circles, with many warning of its dangers.

In this context, Yitzhak Brik, a prominent Israeli general and former military ombudsman, said: “IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir knows that the Chariots of Gideon 2 operation will lead to failure and heavy losses among our forces.”

Brik stressed: “This operation could result in the death of Israeli hostages without defeating Hamas. Occupying Gaza City will mean the killing and wounding of many IDF soldiers—all for the survival of the current cabinet.”

Eran Etzion, former deputy head of Israel’s National Security Council, also warned of the significant consequences of a Gaza City invasion, noting threats to the hostages, heavy IDF casualties, further erosion of Israel’s international “legitimacy” due to the mass expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and increased exhaustion of the army and reserves.

Speaking to Israeli Army Radio, he emphasized that occupying Gaza City will erode public trust in both the cabinet and military leadership, creating a dangerous precedent of politicizing military and security decisions—ultimately threatening the very standing of the Israeli army.