Written by Matthew Peterson.

The Israeli government has unveiled plans for a significant military operation, codenamed “Gideon’s Chariots,” aimed at reasserting control over Gaza and dismantling the Hamas organization. This initiative, announced on Sunday, involves mobilizing military reserves to prepare for a comprehensive campaign that could reshape the region’s geopolitical landscape. The operation is contingent on the outcome of diplomatic efforts during U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the region from May 13 to 16, 2025.

Strategic Objectives of Operation Gideon’s Chariots

Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” is designed to achieve multiple objectives, with the primary goal of eliminating Hamas’s presence in Gaza. The Israeli government has outlined a methodical approach, described by military analysts as a “clear, hold, build” strategy. This entails systematically clearing Hamas operatives from neighborhoods, maintaining control over secured areas, and establishing demilitarized civilian authorities to govern Palestinian communities. The operation is expected to unfold over several months, reflecting a long-term commitment to altering Gaza’s governance structure.

A key component of the strategy is the rescue of hostages held by Hamas. Unlike previous efforts that targeted Hamas leadership for negotiations, this operation focuses on isolating and neutralizing specific cells responsible for holding captives. By applying targeted military pressure, Israel aims to secure the release of hostages without relying on concessions from Hamas’s central command, which has proven intransigent in past talks. This shift in tactics underscores Israel’s determination to address the hostage crisis decisively.

Diplomatic and Military Context

The announcement of “Gideon’s Chariots” comes amid heightened tensions and a looming deadline for Hamas to accept a hostage deal. The Israeli government has tied the operation’s launch to the outcome of President Trump’s regional visit, signaling that failure to reach an agreement by May 16 could trigger the campaign. This approach leverages diplomatic pressure to incentivize compliance while preparing for a military alternative if negotiations falter.

Web-based research indicates that Israel’s military strategy is informed by lessons from past conflicts in Gaza, including Operations Cast Lead (2008-2009) and Protective Edge (2014). These campaigns demonstrated the challenges of combating Hamas in densely populated urban environments, where the group embeds itself within civilian infrastructure. “Gideon’s Chariots” appears to address these challenges by prioritizing sustained control and governance reform, rather than temporary incursions. The indefinite deployment of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza reflects a departure from previous strategies, signaling a commitment to long-term stabilization.

President Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. could assume a role in Gaza’s administration, without deploying American troops, adds an international dimension to the operation. This proposal aligns with U.S. support for Israel’s security objectives while avoiding direct military involvement. However, the feasibility of establishing credible civilian authorities in Gaza, as envisioned by Israel, remains uncertain given the region’s complex social and political dynamics.

Operational and Regional Implications

The scale of “Gideon’s Chariots” suggests a transformative impact on Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By aiming to dismantle Hamas neighborhood by neighborhood, Israel seeks to disrupt the group’s operational and ideological influence. The “clear, hold, build” model draws inspiration from counterinsurgency tactics used in other conflict zones, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, where securing territory and fostering local governance were critical to long-term stability. However, Gaza’s unique demographic and geographic constraints pose significant challenges to implementing this model effectively.

The operation’s focus on demilitarized civilian governance raises questions about the future of Palestinian self-rule in Gaza. Hamas has governed the territory since 2007, following its electoral victory and subsequent takeover. Replacing its authority with new administrative structures will require not only military success but also political and economic investment. Web searches reveal that previous attempts to establish alternative governance in Gaza, such as through the Palestinian Authority, have been hampered by factionalism and public distrust. Israel’s plan to oversee this transition indefinitely suggests a prolonged occupation, which could provoke resistance from Palestinian communities and international stakeholders.

Regionally, the operation could strain Israel’s relations with neighboring countries and international organizations. Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza and has mediated past ceasefire agreements, may face increased pressure to manage refugee flows or smuggling activities. Similarly, the United Nations and humanitarian agencies have expressed concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and displacement in large-scale military operations. Israel’s commitment to minimizing civilian harm will be closely scrutinized, particularly given Gaza’s high population density and limited infrastructure.

Challenges and Public Perception

While “Gideon’s Chariots” is framed as a decisive response to Hamas’s activities, it faces significant logistical and ethical challenges. Gaza’s urban terrain, characterized by narrow streets and multi-story buildings, complicates military operations and increases the risk of collateral damage. Hamas’s tactic of using civilian areas as shields further exacerbates these risks, placing Israel in a delicate position as it seeks to balance operational objectives with international humanitarian standards.

Public perception, both domestically and globally, will play a critical role in the operation’s success. In Israel, the campaign is likely to garner support from those who view Hamas as an existential threat, particularly following the group’s October 2023 attacks. However, prolonged military engagement and the prospect of indefinite occupation could spark debate about the operation’s costs and long-term viability. Internationally, the operation may face criticism from human rights organizations and governments advocating for a two-state solution, who may view it as a setback to peace negotiations.

The operation’s reliance on sustained IDF presence also raises questions about resource allocation and military fatigue. Maintaining control over Gaza will require significant personnel and financial commitments, potentially diverting resources from other security priorities. Additionally, the establishment of new civilian authorities will demand coordination with international partners and local stakeholders, a process fraught with political and cultural complexities.

Our Take

Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” represents a bold and ambitious attempt to address the persistent challenge of Hamas’s control over Gaza. By combining military pressure with a vision for governance reform, Israel aims to achieve lasting security gains while resolving the hostage crisis. The “clear, hold, build” strategy, if executed effectively, could disrupt Hamas’s operational capacity and create opportunities for alternative governance structures. However, the operation’s success is far from guaranteed, given Gaza’s volatile environment and the complexities of establishing credible civilian authorities. The indefinite IDF presence and potential for civilian harm risk escalating tensions, both locally and internationally. While the initiative reflects Israel’s resolve to confront Hamas, its broader implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict underscore the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes diplomacy alongside military action.