Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth has revealed that Major General Yaniv Asor, head of the Southern Command in the Israeli military, is advocating for a new military operation in the Gaza Strip, arguing that its objective should be the disarmament of Hamas and the dismantling of its military capabilities.
According to the report, while attention remains focused on the escalation along the Lebanese front and the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, Gaza has slipped to a secondary position in Israeli discussions. Despite this, Asor has reportedly spent recent weeks urging both military and political leaders to launch a new offensive against the enclave.
Southern Command Presents Military Plans
Sources familiar with the discussions told the newspaper that Asor has already presented operational plans and is actively pushing for their implementation. He reportedly claimed that Hamas’ military infrastructure could be dismantled within six to ten weeks.
The report states that Asor outlined the expected costs of such an operation and its potential consequences to Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the political leadership, including possible Israeli military casualties.
These recommendations come as Hamas continues to maintain control over approximately 40 per cent of the Gaza Strip, where it remains responsible for administering civilian affairs and strengthening its capabilities.
Political Leadership Hesitant to Launch Operation
Despite the recommendations from the Southern Command, the Israeli political leadership has reportedly expressed reservations about proceeding with the operation at this stage.
According to the report, officials believe that Israel cannot simultaneously conduct intensive military campaigns across all fronts and must prioritise its resources and strategic focus. For now, the Lebanese and Iranian fronts remain at the top of the agenda.
A senior political official told the newspaper that multiple discussions have been held regarding Gaza.
“We want to maintain a clear order of priorities in terms of resources and attention,” the official said. “Everything is ostensibly waiting for Hamas’ response regarding its willingness to disarm, but it is clear that it will not do so, and it is equally clear that this task will ultimately fall to us.”
Debate Over Military and Economic Pressure
The official added that the current debate centres on whether Israel should immediately return to a large-scale ground operation despite the expected military losses, or whether it should first attempt to economically weaken Hamas, alter the humanitarian aid distribution system, and then refocus on Gaza after the Lebanese front stabilises.
In the same context, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in recent days that his instructions call for expanding Israeli control inside Gaza by increasing the areas under military control and pushing what is referred to as the “Yellow Line” further west.
Speaking during a conference in the Jordan Valley, Netanyahu said:
“We currently control 60 per cent of the Strip. We will advance step by step, first to 70 per cent, and then proceed from there. We are pressuring them from every direction, and we will deal with what remains later.”
Military Preparing Multiple Scenarios
The Israeli military stated that the Southern Command is preparing plans for multiple operational scenarios in line with directives from the Chief of Staff and the government’s policy.
According to the military, these plans have been presented to the General Staff and political leadership as possible alternatives, with the implications of each option clearly outlined.
Aid Distribution and Hamas Control
The report also states that Hamas continues to strengthen its economic capabilities in areas that remain under its control.
According to multiple reports, testimony from soldiers, and sources working at border crossings, there have been significant attempts to smuggle dual-use materials through humanitarian aid shipments, including among the approximately 600 aid trucks entering Gaza daily under the ceasefire arrangements and the first phase of the American plan.
Yedioth Ahronoth added that the Israeli political leadership has recently discussed changes to the aid distribution system aimed at preventing aid from reaching Hamas or limiting the movement’s ability to seize it.
Among the proposals under consideration is the reintroduction of aid distribution centres near the so-called “Yellow Line”. This model was previously attempted a year ago but failed. Other alternatives are also reportedly being examined.
