Israeli army chief outlines Gaza City invasion plan, concerns
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Eyal Zamir details the plan to occupy Gaza City, addressing challenges, evacuation timelines, and the expected duration of "Operation Chariots of Gideon."
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People inspect the damage at the Sheikh Radwan al-Taba UNRWA clinic following an Israeli army bombardment in Gaza City Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 (AP)
The chief of staff of the Israeli occupation army, Eyal Zamir, outlined the operational foundations for the preparations to occupy Gaza City during meetings with leaders of the Southern Command and the Israeli Air Force. He additionally addressed the concerns and challenges facing the military in carrying out this operation, along with estimated timelines for its phases.
Zamir clarified that "the Israeli army will make every effort to prevent harm to the detainees held in the [Gaza] Strip, while focusing on providing rest and recovery rotations for reserve forces, which it intends to call up by the tens of thousands." He also stated that civilians would be evacuated from Gaza City before Israeli forces advance into its urban center.
The Israeli chief of staff noted that the military would maintain control over areas already captured during "Operation Chariots of Gideon," with no plans for withdrawal from the occupied territory that now makes up 75% of the Gaza Strip.
Gaza occupation plan grappled with concerns
However, the Israeli Army Radio reported that there are major concerns and a range of issues troubling the Chief of Staff and other commanders, with many unanswered questions still surrounding the feasibility of carrying out the operation and achieving optimal results.
After gaining control of Gaza City, a process expected to take several months, the Israeli military anticipates facing Hamas-led guerrilla warfare within the captured territories, requiring meticulous planning to maintain control and minimize these security risks.
The Israeli military estimates that civilians must be evacuated from Gaza City within the next two months, with the actual occupation of the city and troop deployment into its urban center set to begin in October.
According to Israeli military estimates, gaining full control over Gaza City will require an additional two to three months, meaning the operation is expected to be completed by December 2025 or early January 2026.
Zamir concluded by stating that "implementing the approved Cabinet plan will inevitably prolong the war by several additional months."
