Israeli Defense Minister Announces Strategic Shift in Gaza War Plans

(Patria) - Defense Minister Yoav Gallant outlined Israel's plans for the next phase of the war in Gaza, with a new, more targeted approach in the northern part of the enclave and a continued search for Hamas leaders in the south, Reuters reported.

The announcement came as Israel continued to withdraw its forces from Gaza to allow thousands of reservists to return to their jobs, amid growing international pressure to transition to less intense combat operations.

"In the northern part of the Gaza Strip, we will transition to a new combat approach in line with the military achievements on the ground," Gallant's office said in a statement outlining guiding principles reflecting Gallant's vision for the next phases of the war. He said operations would include raids, tunnel destruction, air and ground strikes, and special forces operations.

In the south of the besieged enclave, where most of Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants now live, many in tents and other temporary shelters, the operation would continue to try to eliminate Hamas leaders and rescue Israeli hostages.

"This will continue for as long as it is deemed necessary," the statement said.

After the war, Gallant said Hamas would no longer control Gaza and Israel would retain its operational freedom of action. But he said there would be no presence of Israeli civilians and Palestinian bodies would be in charge of the enclave.

"The residents of Gaza are Palestinians, therefore Palestinian bodies will be in charge, on the condition that there will be no hostile actions or threats to the State of Israel," he added.