---------------------
Strategic Issues
Complex Factors Behind Israeli Ground Incursion
A report from the British newspaper Financial Times reveals that Israel's limited ground incursion into Gaza is not a random decision. Current and former Israeli officials confirm that there are several reasons behind this move.
Tactical Considerations
According to a source familiar with Israeli combat plans, the limited size of the attack is due to the need for closer air support to ground forces. Hamas has built defenses in northern Gaza over the years, so the Israeli army wants to provide strong air cover to protect their soldiers.
Amir Avivi, a former deputy commander of the Gaza Brigade in the Israeli army, emphasized the importance of firepower and air support. He said, "When our soldiers move, we do so with tremendous firepower and with 50 planes in the sky targeting any moving target."
Fierce Clashes Expected
Israeli officials warn that the clashes in Gaza will be intense. Hamas has conducted combat training in urban areas and created a network of tunnels known as the "Gaza Metro" to transport fighters and weapons secretly. They also possess anti-tank weapons and explosives.
A recent confrontation between Israeli forces and Hamas members emerging from a tunnel near the Erez border crossing exemplifies the type of battles that can be expected.
Eyal Holata, former head of the Israeli National Security Council, explained the challenges of fighting in urban areas. He said, "There are many places where the enemy can hide and launch surprise attacks."
Multiple Factors Influencing Israeli Strategy
Israeli officials have multiple reasons for gradually building up their forces in Gaza. One aim is to reduce the chances of Lebanese Hezbollah joining the conflict.
Maintaining a limited number of forces in Gaza also allows for quick redirection towards the north if Hezbollah becomes involved in the war, according to a military expert quoted by the Financial Times.
Yaakov Amidron, a former national security advisor, confirmed that the limited ground attack reflects Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's commitment to weakening and expelling Hamas from Gaza. He said, "We are facing a strategic goal that cannot be achieved in the short term."
Unclear Ultimate Goal
A Western diplomat expressed uncertainty about Israel's ultimate goal in Gaza. While it seems they aim to undermine Hamas military capabilities and target its leaders, they have not clearly defined their objective.
Warnings and Concerns
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert believes that Israel may not have enough time to achieve its goals. The shocking images of devastation in Gaza, where thousands of people have been killed, wounded, and missing, are spreading globally.
The United Nations has warned that Israel's decision to reduce supplies of electricity, fuel, water, and basic materials to Gaza could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
Amos Harel, a military journalist, stated that Israeli forces have advanced a few kilometers into the Gaza Strip but have not yet engaged in urban combat. The strategy appears to be putting pressure on Hamas fighters to come out and attack them.
The Financial Times cautions against misinterpreting Hamas' calm reaction at this stage, as previous events have shown that Israel's assessments of Hamas capabilities and intentions may be significantly wrong.
------
Source: Financial Times
