\n<\/p>\n
The first alternative, the least favored by the IDF and senior security officials, is a full conquest of Gaza, or in other words, a military government.<\/p>\n
In light of the progress toward the objectives of Operation Gideon\u2019s Chariots in Gaza, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir<\/a> presented three alternative options this week for the period following its completion.<\/p>\n According to assessments by security sources, in a few weeks, Operation Gideon\u2019s Chariots will come to fruition with the conquest of 75% of the Gaza Strip’s territory<\/a> and the completion of all the goals set by the political echelon for the IDF.<\/p>\n The first alternative, the least favored by the IDF and senior security officials, is a full conquest of the Gaza Strip, or in other words, a military government.<\/p>\n This is a very significant operational challenge for two main reasons: such a move would place the hostages being held in Gaza City and the central camps at high risk, as they serve as human shields for senior Hamas officials, and it would heavily strain both the reserve and regular forces, as well as the IDF’s stockpiles, particularly the ground troops.<\/p>\n Additionally, it cannot be ignored that this involves a very large concentration of Palestinian population (over one and a half million Palestinians), and it would be difficult to move them all.<\/p>\n