May 19, 2025
Over the weekend, the Israel Defense Forces launched a large-scale ground offensive across multiple sectors of the Gaza Strip, officially initiating Operation Gideon's Chariots. In just the past 24 hours, both regular and reserve units under the IDF Southern Command carried out synchronized ground maneuvers in northern and southern Gaza. This latest phase of the conflict follows an intense weeklong aerial bombardment campaign by the Israeli Air Force, which struck more than 670 Hamas-related targets, including weapons depots, anti-tank missile sites, underground tunnels, and personnel locations. The strikes were designed to disrupt Hamas’ military capabilities and provide direct support for the advancing ground forces.
As IDF troops press deeper into Gaza, they have reportedly eliminated dozens of terrorists, dismantled significant portions of the terror group’s infrastructure—both above and below ground—and are gaining control of strategically important zones. Meanwhile, Israel's Diplomatic-Security Cabinet convened Sunday to review the operation and assess developments in ongoing negotiations in Doha, with Israel maintaining alignment with the proposal introduced by CIA Director William Burns. Despite the progress, some senior IDF officers have voiced concern over operational limitations—particularly the decision not to fully evacuate civilians from active combat areas or restrict resources like water to Hamas-held zones. These commanders argue that defeating Hamas requires the full weight of Israel’s military capabilities to ensure that the conflict, which erupted on October 7, can be decisively concluded.
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SOURCE: Israel Hayom