Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has unveiled a dramatic shift in military strategy, announcing Israel will now capture and hold territory in Gaza rather than conduct temporary raids, creating permanent buffer zones that could redefine the region’s security landscape.
At a Glance
- Israel is shifting from temporary raids to capturing and holding territory in Gaza for long-term security zones
- The IDF will maintain control over captured areas, similar to strategies in Lebanon and Syria
- Humanitarian aid restrictions are being used as leverage against Hamas to secure hostage releases
- Israel is prepared to expand military operations if Hamas refuses to release hostages
- The plan has faced criticism from both coalition partners and opposition leaders, as well as hostage families
New Military Doctrine Emerges
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has outlined a fundamental shift in military strategy for Gaza, moving away from temporary incursions toward establishing permanent buffer zones. This marks a significant departure from past operations, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) now set to capture and maintain control over strategic areas to protect Israeli communities along the border.
The approach mirrors tactics already employed along Israel’s borders with Lebanon and Syria, where the military maintains security zones to prevent hostile forces from directly threatening Israeli civilians.
The military’s new plan includes several components: heavy strikes against enemy positions, destruction of infrastructure used by hostile forces, expansion of territorial control, and the annexation of captured areas into security zones.
These measures aim to create a buffer between Hamas fighters and Israeli border communities, addressing security concerns that have intensified since the October 7 attacks. IDF sources estimate Israeli troops currently control approximately 30% of Gaza territory.
Hostage Crisis Remains Central
Katz has emphasized that the primary goal remains securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The new territorial strategy is being implemented alongside diplomatic efforts, including the framework proposed by U.S. Presidential Envoy Steven Witkoff. “The policy of Israel in Gaza, conducted by the command of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with the support of the political leadership, is clear and unambiguous: first and foremost, to take all measures for the release of all hostages within the framework of [U.S. Presidential Envoy Steven] Witkoff’s plan, and subsequently to create the conditions for the defeat of Hamas,” Katz wrote.
The defense minister has also issued a clear warning: “if Hamas persists in its refusal [of the agreement], [Israeli military] actions will be expanded and will move into new phases.” This signals Israel’s readiness to intensify military operations if diplomatic efforts fail to secure the hostages’ release. Meanwhile, families of the hostages have criticized the new territorial approach, arguing it prioritizes land acquisition over the immediate return of their loved ones.
Humanitarian Aid as Strategic Leverage
A controversial element of Israel’s strategy involves restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza as leverage against Hamas. Katz has been explicit about this approach, stating that stopping aid serves as a pressure tool against Hamas.
“This should undermine Hamas’s control over the population,” he noted. The defense minister has declared that no humanitarian aid would enter Gaza under current circumstances, proposing instead a future mechanism using civilian companies to distribute aid while preventing Hamas from accessing these resources.
Collision course: Are Israel and Turkey headed for confrontation?
BEHIND THE LINES: With Turkey's backing of Hamas and disputes in Syria, the future of Jerusalem-Ankara ties look dim.
Last week, Israeli aircraft struck the T4 airbase and Hama airport in Syria, along with two… pic.twitter.com/NQVcIu5IdI
— Giacomo Jacques BEHAR (@BeharGiacomo) April 11, 2025
This aspect of the strategy has generated significant internal debate within Israel’s government. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and opposition leader Avigdor Liberman have expressed opposition to resuming aid, while other officials have raised concerns about the humanitarian implications. Katz has outlined plans to establish infrastructure for aid distribution through civil society organizations once conditions permit, aiming to bypass Hamas control of resources.
Regional Implications and Evacuation Plans
The territorial strategy has significant implications for Gaza’s civilian population. Hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents have already been evacuated from combat zones, and parts of the territory have been incorporated into Israeli security zones. Katz has mentioned plans for the voluntary relocation of Gaza residents, though details remain limited. Prioritizing soldier safety, the defense minister has emphasized a methodical approach to clearing areas before attaching them to Israel’s security zones.
Notably, Katz has revealed that Egypt has made the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza conditions for a comprehensive deal and ending the war. This suggests regional players are looking beyond the immediate conflict toward long-term security arrangements. The strategic shift represents not just a tactical evolution but potentially a redrawing of security boundaries in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
