Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved the IDF’s new Gaza City battle plan, “Gideon Chariots 2,” involving 130,000 reservists, large-scale evacuations, and a two-month timeline to crush remaining Hamas forces.
Katz Signs Off on New Gaza Offensive
Defense Minister Israel Katz has formally approved the IDF’s “Gideon Chariots 2” attack plan for Gaza City, following a detailed presentation by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and senior military commanders.
The new campaign is a continuation of last year’s “Gideon Chariots” operation, which resulted in the decisive defeat of Hamas across most of Gaza, the destruction of terrorist tunnels and infrastructure, and the IDF gaining control over 75% of the territory.
Massive Reservist Call-Up
To execute the plan, the IDF will issue new reserve orders for 60,000 troops, raising the total number of mobilized reservists to 130,000, including the 70,000 already in service. Orders are expected by early September, though commanders warn of potential lower turnout due to reservist fatigue after nearly a year of continuous mobilization.
Evacuation & Humanitarian Measures
The plan includes humanitarian preparations for the evacuation of Gaza City’s civilian population southward, designed to isolate Hamas fighters before the IDF launches the assault.
Timeline for Control
- 2 months: IDF estimates full military control over Gaza City can be achieved.
- 4+ months: Additional clearance operations are expected to continue, targeting Hamas pockets, weapons stockpiles, and tunnel networks.
Military sources stress that the operation will not only dismantle Hamas’s remaining command centers but also consolidate Israeli security dominance across Gaza.
Strategic Significance
“Gideon Chariots 2” represents Israel’s largest military mobilization in decades and is aimed at delivering the final blow to Hamas’s stronghold in Gaza City, while sending a clear regional message of deterrence.
