Israel to Reduce Scope of Reserve Forces Across Several Fronts

Latest Developments

Zamir Orders Reserve Reduction: IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered a reduction in the number of reserve forces deployed to active combat zones in Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, and other fronts by 30 percent. The IDF’s Army Radio reported that the move was the result of attrition from more than 20 months of fighting. Reserve troops in the West Bank, who make up the majority of troops deployed to the area, will be released and replaced by regular forces.
Tanks Arrive in Deir al-Balah: For the first time in the war, IDF armored units are operating in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah, a day after IDF Arabic spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee issued a warning to residents, urging them to move south to al-Mawasi due to an expansion of the military’s activities against terrorist infrastructure. Israel’s Channel 12 report noted that the IDF also carried out airstrikes in the area overnight and during the morning hours.
Hamas Leaders in Gaza are Incommunicado: Hamas negotiators in Doha have been unable to reach the Islamist group’s leaders in Gaza, stalling the negotiating process, The Times of Israel reported. Hope for a breakthrough intensified when Israel updated its proposal for troop redeployment during the ceasefire. However, Hamas in Gaza has not responded to Israel’s new amendment, raising concern that the group’s silence is prolonging the suffering of civilians and hostages caught in the war.

FDD Expert Response

“Israel increasingly faces a moment of decision in Gaza, as reports indicate fatigue in the IDF’s reserve system is straining the military. The IDF has retaken more than 70 percent of Gaza since launching Operation Gideon’s Chariots in May. This means Hamas is confined to an ever-shrinking space inside the cramped coastal enclave. However, Hamas continues to refuse a ceasefire deal and refuses to release the 50 hostages it still holds. Pressure must be brought on the terrorist group and its backers to agree to a deal and end the war.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Whether Hamas is deliberately foot-dragging the negotiations or is genuinely unable to respond due to the war, the underlying reality remains unchanged: the Islamist group’s top priority has always been its survival and not the welfare of Palestinian civilians. Furthermore, the final word of commitment to a ceasefire will not come from a luxury hotel in Doha but rather from a tunnel or safehouse where Hamas’s chief in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, is hiding.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal