Operation Gideon's Chariots
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2025) |
| Operation Gideon Chariot | |
|---|---|
| Part of the Gaza war | |
| Location | |
| Planned by |  Israel |
| Target | Hamas |
| Executed by | |
Operation Gideon's Chariots (Hebrew: מבצע מרכבות גדעון) is a military operation by the Israel Defense Forces during the Gaza war in the Gaza Strip that was approved by Israel's Security Cabinet with the claimed aim of defeating Hamas, destroying its military and governing capabilities, and releasing all hostages held in Gaza. The operation involves combined military force from land, air, and sea.[1]
Background
The operation was approved against the backdrop of ongoing confrontations with Hamas, the holding of Israeli hostages in Gaza, and the need to prevent the continued security threat to Israeli communities surrounding Gaza. The operation was developed by the IDF Chief of Staff and senior IDF command echelons, and approved by the Defense Minister and Prime Minister.[2]
Operation Planning
The operation includes a significant reinforcement of IDF forces, ground maneuvering deep into the Gaza Strip, and the use of heavy equipment to neutralize explosive devices and destroy buildings that the IDF claims are used as terrorist infrastructure.[3][4]
Civilian Population Evacuation
The plan aims to evacuate the civilian population from densely contested areas, especially in the north of Gaza, to the south.
Control of Territory After Clearing
Unlike in the past, the IDF will remain in all conquered territory similar to their actions in Rafah.
Humanitarian Aid Issue
Humanitarian aid will remain limited until significant evacuation of the population from the south is completed. Only then will a distinct humanitarian aid plan be implemented, which will be managed by civilian bodies and carried out in areas controlled by the IDF. As part of this, a screening zone will be established in the Rafah area to identify and prevent the infiltration of Hamas operatives.
References
- ^ Eichner, Itamar; Zitun, Yoav (2025-05-05). "Security Official: New Operation Named 'Gideon's Chariots'". Ynetnews. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "שם המבצע בעזה שאושר בקבינט - "מרכבות גדעון"". mako. 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ Marks, Josh (2025-05-05). "'Gideon's Chariots': IDF will hold Gaza, says Smotrich". JNS.org. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Senior defense official: IDF to launch major Gaza op if no hostage deal by end of Trump's Mideast visit". www.timesofisrael.com.
