Which Israeli Divisions Are Leading the “Gideon’s Chariots” Operation to Occupy Gaza?

In a major military escalation, Israel has now deployed all its regular infantry and armoured divisions into the Gaza Strip under the codename Operation Gideon’s Chariots, according to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation.

The Paratroopers Division was the last to enter, completing its deployment within the past 24 hours. The operation currently focuses on two key axes:

 

• • Northern Gaza

• • The Khan Younis region in the south

Israeli military radio Kan reports that more divisions are scheduled to be deployed in the coming days, aiming for complete ground control over Gaza and its central regions.

According to Israel’s official statements, the ultimate goal of Operation Gideon’s Chariots is nothing short of full military occupation of the Gaza Strip.

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Breakdown of Participating Israeli Military Divisions

🟥 252nd Division – “Sinai Brigade”

 

• • Tabor (454) Artillery

• • Jerusalem (16) Infantry

• • Negev (12) Infantry

• • Har’el (10) Armoured

• • Crushing (14) Armoured

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🟥 36th Division – “Volcano Brigade”

 

• • Golani (1) Infantry

• • 7th Armoured Brigade

• • Barak Formation (188) Armoured

• • Golan Formation (282) Artillery

• • Etzioni (6) Infantry (Reserves)

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🟥 143rd Division – “Gaza Division”

 

• • HaGeffen (7643)

• • Qatif (6643)

• • 261st Infantry Support Brigade

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🟥 98th Division – “Fire Formation”

 

• • Paratroopers (35)

• • Oz Special Forces (89)

• • David’s Sling (214)

• • Half Fire (551)

• • Spearhead (55)

• • Lapid Battalion (492)

• • Pelican Formation (8237)

• • Commando Unit (5515)

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🟥 16th Division – “Steel Brigade”

 

• • Nahal (993) Infantry

• • Givati (84) Infantry

• • Iron Heel (401) Armoured

• • Pillar of Fire (215) Artillery

• • Sharon Formation (5) Infantry

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Strategic Analysis: A Ground War of Attrition

The deployment of five full divisions reflects Israel’s intention to forcibly impose total control over Gaza — not just tactically, but politically and demographically.

The diversity of units involved — from elite special forces to reserve armoured brigades — shows the scale and seriousness of Israel’s plans to suppress all forms of resistance and restructure Gaza by force.

But this full-spectrum occupation effort also comes at a cost. The deeper the Israeli army pushes, the more it becomes vulnerable to urban resistance, asymmetric warfare, and the long-term psychological drain of a prolonged ground campaign.