The IDF has significantly increased its operational control across 70% of the Gaza Strip, with defense authorities indicating potential for further territorial expansion in upcoming months.
As reported by security sources to Walla, Hamas appears to be resisting compliance by fortifying positions, recruiting fighters, and preparing for possible renewed conflict with Israeli forces.
This assessment aligns with concerns that Hamas is deliberately delaying adherence to the ceasefire agreement while simultaneously strengthening its military infrastructure and strategic reserves.
While Israel’s primary security focus remains on Iran and Lebanon, Southern Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor is managing three concurrent operations in Gaza: monitoring threats along the Yellow Line, expanding Israeli control zones, and preparing defensive frameworks against potential future Hamas resurgence while developing the proposed US-supported “green city” concept in Rafah.
Threat Detection and Border Security
Military assessments are prioritizing early identification of attack preparations, tracking of terrorist leadership, and immediate intervention against threats requiring aerial or ground operations, all while maintaining the demarcation between controlled and Hamas-held areas.
The IDF has also reported incidents where Hamas-directed civilians approach Israeli forces to provoke engagements, complicating security operations.
As detailed in a Walla source, military authorities maintain a list of individuals linked to the October 7 conflict, including those accused of hostage-taking activities, for targeted monitoring and operations.
Concurrently, security measures along the Yellow Line are being intensified. Hamas continues to resist disarmament orders, necessitating ongoing military challenges and countermeasures.
To reinforce security, the IDF is constructing new infrastructure, modifying border patrol routes, upgrading defensive positions, and enhancing intelligence capabilities through expanded surveillance networks.
Strategic Planning for Two Future Scenarios
The IDF is concurrently developing contingency plans: one for a potential large-scale operation against Hamas if resistance persists, with intelligence indicating critical leadership remains concentrated in Gaza City; and another for the implementation of the US-backed Rafah civilian zone, designated as a “green city” for screened residents, even without Hamas disarmament or multinational force deployment.
According to Walla, the United States has already issued construction contracts for this initiative, which aims to accommodate up to 50,000 Palestinians through a phased security vetting process in its initial phase.
