IDF's Shift in Gaza: "Even if You See Gunmen, You Wait for Approval from Above"

The IDF has shifted in the Gaza Strip from aggressive attacks to a defensive posture, with an approval level up to the Chief of Staff. Officers report complete quiet after a period of daily targeted killings, but emphasize that any threat is immediately thwarted. Netanyahu denied the 15-point document and pledged to disarm Hamas.

The IDF has shifted in the Gaza Strip from days of aggressive attacks and exploiting intelligence opportunities to a tense routine and passive defense. The government, possibly under American pressure, is changing the order of events and causing the IDF to move to a reaction mode. For several days, no proactive strikes have been carried out, and residents call it "Egyptian quiet." A senior officer explains: "Beyond the yellow line, deep in the territory, we don't operate. Even if you see gunmen. It's a different policy. You escalate and wait for approval." In the IDF, the approval level has been raised up to the Chief of Staff, and commanders received an order: "By order of the GOC, cease fire for proactive strikes except for threat removal." Another officer describes the previous period: "There were targeted killings every day... We hunted them... Now it's quiet, nothing." The soldiers are aware that the enemy is getting used to the new situation, and there is concern about a return to activity. Prime Minister Netanyahu said yesterday: "Israel rejects the 15-point document... The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed." Every soldier emphasized that he does not feel danger, and any threat is immediately thwarted.