Israel Must Intensify Operations to Regain Control of Gaza and Eliminate Hamas

Israel has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists in preparation for initiatives to seize — and this time maintain — complete control of the Gaza Strip, contingent on Hamas rejecting a cease-fire by May 16.

This escalation is justifiable; indeed, nearly unavoidable: What alternatives does Israel have?

Hamas is unlikely to consider any substantial agreement short of a permanent cessation of hostilities that enables it to endure and maintain its oppressive grip on Gaza — which it has repeatedly promised to exploit for further attacks like those on October 7, 2023, against Israel.

Thus, Israel cannot decisively end the conflict while Hamas controls Gaza, and no other nation has provided a viable solution to neutralize the Hamas threat or effectively govern Gaza.

Consequently, Jerusalem is presenting Hamas with one final opportunity to surrender control of the territory permanently, or to secure a temporary cease-fire if it releases the remaining hostages, including an American, Edan Alexander.

If Hamas does not respond favorably by the time President Donald Trump concludes his Middle East tour next week, the IDF will initiate evacuations, beginning in northern Gaza, and systematically regain control of the entire area.

The Jewish state would subsequently retain those regions indefinitely to prevent Hamas from reestablishing its presence — although a government spokesperson clarified that the intention is not to create a permanent occupation.

Operation Gideon’s Chariots will progressively unfold, continuing until Jerusalem exerts control over all of Gaza — leaving Hamas with nowhere to hide. That’s a positive development.

Israel will also aim to restrict the flow of humanitarian aid to the terror group, which it has exploited to maintain its control over Gaza’s populace. The plan includes destroying Hamas’ infrastructure and targeting its leaders.

These actions will aid in securing the release of the remaining hostages, or facilitate their rescue by IDF forces.

Israeli military officials believe now is the moment to “initiate the final stages” of the conflict, as articulated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

No one with any empathy wants the conflict in Gaza to prolong, yet Israel cannot conclude its operations by accepting an ongoing threat of sporadic October 7-style massacres.

Hamas must be eradicated, and Gaza secured; with the full backing of the US president, Israel has an opportunity to achieve that.

It is time to finalize this.