Unclear picture in Gaza: Israeli soldiers on standby, Hamas preparing its defenses

The situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip is currently marked by a delay in Israel’s ground operation despite ongoing hostilities and airstrikes. The delay has raised questions and concerns both within Israel and internationally. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 5,000 people.

Possible reasons for this delay include adverse weather conditions, the arrival of additional U.S. forces in the region, and a need for more time to potentially rescue hostages. This postponement has created a trust crisis between the Israeli government and the military, as well as within the government itself.

One significant factor to consider is Israel’s historical approach to ground operations. In the past three decades, Israel has shifted its strategy away from large-scale ground maneuvers. This change began after the 1973 Yom Kippur War, which, despite an Israeli victory, witnessed unexpected tank losses and a decline in trust in leadership. As a result, a conceptual revolution took place within the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), shifting resources toward intelligence and air forces.

The IDF started focusing on using precision missiles and advanced intelligence capabilities to target key points while minimizing casualties. Ground operations became less frequent, and Israel withdrew from territories like South Lebanon in 2000 and Gaza in 2005.

During more recent conflicts, Israel primarily relied on deterrence based on firepower, using airstrikes, naval bombardment, and artillery fire. Even in situations where ground forces were used, they often had a defensive role, such as dealing with tunnels.

The development of technologies like the Iron Dome further reinforced the idea that Israel could protect itself through high-tech and air power. However, the recent conflict with Hamas has underscored the continued importance of ground forces, raising questions about whether the IDF will conduct a large-scale ground operation or if Israeli leaders will choose a different approach.

As of now, the situation remains uncertain, with Israeli soldiers on standby and Hamas preparing its defenses. The delay in commencing a ground operation has significant implications for the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.