‘We’re Increasing the Pressure’: Israel Approves Expanded Gaza Operation, IDF Set to Hold Territory

Latest Developments

• Cabinet Approves Expanded Operation: The Israeli security cabinet unanimously approved expanded military operations in the Gaza Strip on May 4 with the reported aim of controlling the territory and maintaining a military presence in the coastal enclave. In preparation, the IDF is expected to mobilize tens of thousands of reservists in the coming days for the campaign, reportedly named “Gideon’s Chariots.” “We’re increasing the pressure in order to return our people and defeat Hamas,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on May 4.
• Leveraging Intensified Maneuver: A senior Israeli security official said that “Gideon’s Chariots” will differ from previous IDF operations in Gaza, as forces will remain in all captured areas instead of conducting targeted raids followed by withdrawal. The operation is expected to begin only after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar next week — a delay the same official said could provide a window of opportunity to further pursue a potential deal for the release of the 59 remaining hostages still held by Hamas. However, an Egyptian official involved in past negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages said on May 4 that “there is nothing new that can be negotiated” to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas.
• Worry Over Hostages: Israeli media reported on May 4 that Zamir expressed concern over the wellbeing of the remaining Israeli hostages during the upcoming operation. The IDF chief of staff reportedly cautioned, “in a plan for a full-scale maneuver, we won’t necessarily reach the hostages,” warning that “we could lose them.” In response, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said that his remarks “should keep every Israeli awake at night,” adding that “losing the hostages would mean Israeli defeat.”

FDD Expert Response

“In the weeks following the onset of the January ceasefire, Hamas appeared to operate with the strategy that Israel would refrain from resuming a full-scale ground offensive in the Gaza Strip and assume control over aid distribution. This miscalculation has placed Hamas in a vulnerable position. The core of the current stalemate lies in an irreconcilable dilemma: Hamas is unwilling to relinquish its grip on power, while Israel is equally unwilling to end the war without securing the complete disarmament of the Islamist organization. This impasse will continue to fuel hostilities.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Throughout the war in Gaza, a tactical debate has persisted: can the twin objectives of returning the hostages and fully defeating Hamas truly coexist? With hostage negotiations now at a standstill, the IDF is being forced to confront this dilemma head-on. While the imminent operation may appear distinct from previous maneuvers in Gaza, precedent suggests that Hamas could still harm the remaining living hostages should Israeli forces press too close.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor

FDD Background and Analysis

“IDF has hit 1,800 targets in Gaza since new operations began on March 18,” by Seth J. Frantzman

“‘Not Positive’: Israeli Official Criticizes Qatar Over Hostage Negotiations,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Reports New Casualties in Gaza as Fighting Set to Intensify,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘Sons of Dogs’: Palestinian Authority President Lambasts Hamas, Calls for Release of Israeli Hostages,” FDD Flash Brief