Following the stalled results of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, Israel’s defense leadership is weighing a historic full siege of Gaza’s population centers to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.
Israel’s defense establishment is considering radical new military measures after the conclusion of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots”, which failed to secure a significant breakthrough in freeing hostages held by Hamas, Kan News reported Tuesday evening.
Among the strategic options under review are:
- Reimposing military rule in parts of Gaza.
- Annexing key areas in northern Gaza.
- And the leading, most drastic proposal — placing major population centers under full siege.
Under the siege plan, all humanitarian aid — including food, water, fuel, electricity, and airdrops — would be cut off from targeted areas. Security sources say the aim is to separate civilians from Hamas fighters and intensify pressure far beyond anything implemented to date. If approved, this would mark an unprecedented escalation in Israel’s Gaza strategy.
A Cabinet meeting is expected in the coming days to deliberate on the proposal, alongside other options such as:
- Dividing the Gaza Strip into controlled zones.
- Tightening restrictions on aid entry.
- Facilitating further population displacement from the south to the north.
- A possible IDF maneuver into Gaza City and central refugee camps, which are believed to be hiding hostages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene a separate high-level security meeting to decide on next steps. According to senior defense officials, the lack of progress in hostage negotiations is pushing Israel toward more forceful, high-risk actions despite mounting international pressure and claims of famine in Gaza.
The IDF Chief of Staff cautioned that the army is approaching a point where its military objectives are at odds with current directives, and warned that a clear, decisive political order will be required if a strategic shift is to occur.
While these measures remain contingency plans for now, sources stressed that diplomatic efforts continue — though no meaningful progress has been reported.
