The “Chariots of Gideon 2” plan marks the sixth attempt by Netanyahu’s government to achieve the total destruction of Hamas militants and the return of Israeli hostages — an effort which, according to experts, differs little from the five previous failed schemes.
This plan still seeks to drive Gaza City out of Hamas’s control, turn the northern Gaza Strip into a demilitarised zone, and forcibly relocate residents to the south, particularly Rafah, in order to establish a so-called humanitarian township free of Hamas influence.
Experts recall that during the 80-day “Gideon 1” operation, despite claims of evacuation, more than 350,000 Palestinians remained in northern Gaza.
Military analysts note that the Israel Defence Forces face challenges such as a shortage of fresh troops, pressure on reserve units, and the protraction of the war. Israel’s official statistics, reporting the deaths of over 50 soldiers in Gideon 1, reinforce doubts that Gideon 2 will achieve any decisive breakthrough. Even the latest IDF intelligence report shows that Hamas regards maintaining the status quo as a form of victory.
It appears that Netanyahu intends to launch this operation as a means of escaping the pressure of Israeli public opinion, while having no genuine plan to safeguard the lives of the hostages or the soldiers being deployed to Gaza.
Furthermore, in order to preserve his grip on power, Netanyahu needs to prolong this war into a seemingly endless conflict. For that reason, he rejects every proposal from Hamas militants for the release of the captives.
