New "Israeli" forces chief calls for open-ended ground invasion in Gaza

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) has undergone a strategic transformation under the leadership of its new chief, Eyal Zamir, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Unlike his predecessors, who emphasized a political resolution to the war with Hamas, Zamir is advocating for a robust military approach aimed at dismantling the organization through a large-scale ground offensive.

At 59, Zamir, a former tank commander, is spearheading a renewed initiative to liberate the captives and compel Hamas to surrender. He is preparing to mobilize tens of thousands of IOF soldiers across the Gaza Strip.

This new strategy represents a departure from the systematic operations of the past 18 months, during which the IOF's leadership primarily stemmed from special forces units that relied heavily on technological advancements for targeted missions. Critics argue that this approach, characterized by limited territorial control and reliance on advanced weaponry, failed to prevent Hamas from regrouping and reasserting its dominance, particularly following a ceasefire in January.

Zamir's vision entails decisively eliminating Hamas through an extensive ground offensive that could last for months, prioritizing military objectives before any political negotiations regarding Gaza. In a notable change, he plans to deploy sufficient troops to maintain an indefinite occupation of the enclave.

“The new chief of staff comes from a different military culture than our recent chiefs of staff,” noted Ehud Yaari, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who collaborated with Zamir on strategic papers. “A culture of massive deployment.”

Zamir is the first "Israeli" chief of staff with a background as a tank commander and has voiced concerns about the military’s overreliance on technology rather than personnel on the ground. His leadership embodies a broader global debate regarding modern warfare, highlighted by the ongoing war in Ukraine, where conventional forces have proven essential in seizing and holding territory despite advancements in military technology.

Critics of "Israel’s" previous military leadership, dubbed the “paratrooper dynasty,” argue that the elite status of its chiefs led to overconfidence and contributed to defensive lapses, particularly during the October 7, 2023, events.

Gershon Hacohen, a former general, emphasized the need for a more inclusive military strategy that recognizes the contributions of all service members, not just the elite. “What about all the rest?” he questioned. “What can they do in life?”

Since his appointment last month, one of Zamir’s initial decisions was to establish a new tank brigade and promote leaders with infantry experience to key positions. Although a ceasefire was agreed upon earlier this year, Zamir has warned that 2025 will likely be a year of continued aggression.

The IOF has begun deploying troops into Gaza to eliminate Hamas fighters and maintain territorial control. “This will continue at a deliberate and determined pace,” Zamir stated during a recent visit to the region.