Change in IDF approach in Gaza: "Even if we see gunmen, we wait for approval from above"
The government states that Israel rejects plans for the future of the Gaza Strip, but on the ground, IDF tactics are shifting. The military has moved from an offensive posture to a reactive one, with operational decisions now requiring approval at the Chief of Staff level. Despite the current "silence," soldiers emphasize that any immediate threat is still thwarted instantly.
The IDF is transitioning in the Gaza Strip from days of aggressive attacks and the exploitation of intelligence opportunities to a tense routine and passive defense. The government, perhaps under American pressure, is changing the order of events in the Strip, forcing the IDF to shift toward a reactive posture rather than an initiative-based one. For several days now, forces have not carried out proactive attacks, a situation residents are calling "Egyptian silence."
Soldiers serving in the Gaza sector explain the change in guidelines. "Anyone who tells you we are in danger here doesn't know what they are talking about," says a senior officer. "In any situation where a soldier or unit feels a threat, they act. A battalion commander knows that if there is a threat to his forces, he will fire without asking. However, there is a significant change beyond the 'yellow line,' deep in the territory. Even if we see gunmen, we don't act. We escalate the information and wait for approval. In practice, there have been no attacks for several consecutive days."
The IDF has raised the level of approval required to that of the Chief of Staff, meaning the political echelon is now involved. Commanders have received clear instructions: a ceasefire for non-immediate targets, except when neutralizing a direct threat.
"We used to have liquidations every day, sometimes several times a day. We hunted them, and many operational opportunities were created. Now it's quiet," explains another officer. "It is very similar to the period after 'Northern Shield' in Lebanon. It is true that the situation is different because we pushed them back, but in terms of fire activation, it has changed." Soldiers note that as they shift to defense, the enemy adapts: "They see what is happening; they aren't stupid. After months of attack noise, there is sudden silence. They will likely start rehabilitating the things they couldn't during the attack days."
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated yesterday: "As long as I am Prime Minister, a Palestinian state will not be established—not in Gaza and not in Judea and Samaria. Israel rejects the 15-point document. The IDF will not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed—not fictionally, but in reality. We are talking to the Americans; some of their ideas are acceptable, some are not. We know how to stand our ground. The IDF will continue to thwart threats against our forces and citizens."
A look back reveals that the IDF prepared for these days by pushing Hamas as far back as possible. "There is always a fear of becoming static," says one officer. "You are no longer running forward but waiting on the line to repel terrorists. No one is under the illusion that Hamas will disarm; it is only a matter of time until something happens—tunnels or weapons transfers—and then there will be a step back."
