IDF Bolsters Multinational Force While Preparing for Potential Renewed Gaza Offensive

As the IDF’s Southern Command readies for a potential conflict to disarm Hamas, the International Stabilization Force (ISF)—the multinational body tasked with managing security and governance in Gaza—has started receiving military equipment for disarmament operations, Walla reported Friday.

Southern Command sources said dozens of vehicles, including armored models, were transferred into Gaza over the past 24 hours and handed to U.S. forces operating from the ISF headquarters in Kiryat Gat.

The vehicle transfer marks preparation for the ISF to assume security duties in sections of the enclave.

While the IDF controls roughly 70% of the Strip in its campaign to eliminate terrorists, tunnels, and weaponry, Hamas retains authority over the remaining 30%.

Officials involved in regional diplomacy stated that progress hinges on an effective local force disarming Hamas and assuming control of the territory.

In reality, the opposite is occurring.

Hamas Retains Control in Gaza, Rejects Disarmament

Hamas continues to govern Gaza and refuses to disarm, while U.S. officials are reportedly advancing initiatives without Israeli coordination—contrary to Jerusalem’s preference for disarmament prior to reconstruction.

Security officials fear the U.S. approach could fracture the Strip into a patchwork of ISF-secured zones, Hamas-run areas, and IDF-controlled territory, further complicating the security landscape.

“Hamas knows how to exploit loopholes and profit from the reconstruction process,” security officials told Walla this week. “It will not easily relinquish power.”

The IDF estimates terrorist groups in Gaza currently possess approximately 27,000 weapons, including thousands of missiles of varying ranges and a vast array of explosive devices—some potentially fashioned from unexploded Israeli ordnance.

The group also operates drones, motorized paragliders, naval assets, diving gear, an intelligence network, and a hierarchical command structure with sector-assigned battalion, company, and platoon leaders, alongside a reconstituted tunnel network.

Officials assess Hamas is prioritizing its survival and governance consolidation, avoiding provocation in the expectation that Washington will restrain the IDF as it did regarding strikes in Lebanon.

Hamas Braces for Potential Renewed IDF Offensive

Nevertheless, Hamas is bracing for a potential deep IDF incursion into Gaza City areas still under its full control.

IDF assessments indicate Hamas’s preparations are initially defensive but will likely pivot to offensive operations targeting Israeli forces rather than civilians, as attacking communities would cost the group international sympathy.

Regardless, Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor is advocating for renewed operations against Hamas, focusing on areas untouched by ground forces since the war began.

These zones serve as Hamas weapons depots and hideouts for senior operatives. Despite heavy losses over nearly 1,000 days since the October 7 attack, Hamas continues to govern Gaza.

The group remains a concrete threat to Israeli civilians, even as U.S. pressure limits Israel’s operational freedom. The trajectory is clear: Hamas is rebuilding its military strength and entrenching its rule.

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