The State of Israel now stands at a decisive crossroads, one that could lead to victory and the fulfillment of all war objectives. The path forward depends on the complete defeat—both physical and psychological—of Hamas in its last strongholds: Gaza City and the central refugee camps, particularly the Deir al-Balah sector.
The question remains: has Hamas already been broken? The answer lies in whether the terror group could recover should IDF withdrawal, and whether it could claim victory in that scenario. My answer is clear: if the mission is not finished, Hamas will recover, and the sacrifices of our fallen and wounded will have been for nothing. At this juncture, there is only one course—advance until full victory is secured.
From the war’s outset, the government set three uncompromising objectives: eliminate Hamas as a governing and military authority in Gaza, return all hostages, and ensure that Gaza cannot again host a terrorist army. This requires both demilitarization and long-term enforcement of disarmament.
WAR IN GAZA: DAY 643
The battlefield results are substantial. IDF has secured 75% of Gaza, destroyed its terror infrastructure, and crushed Hamas in Rafah, Khan Younis, and Beit Hanoun. These advances occurred while Israel simultaneously prepared for, and executed, a 12-day strike that crippled Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program, shattered the Shiite axis, and neutralized Hezbollah and Syria’s army. Northern security has fundamentally changed, with disarmament talks ongoing.
Yet challenges remain. Hostages are still held under dire conditions. Diplomatic pressure on Israel mounts—fueled by global starvation campaigns and the push by U.S. President Donald Trump for a swift resolution to enable regional peace accords. The IDF’s readiness, especially among reservists, strains under the prolonged conflict.
Initial assumptions—that defeating Iran and occupying most of Gaza would yield conditions for a hostage deal—proved false. A toxic mix of factors blocked progress: international campaigns that emboldened Hamas, Israeli political instability surrounding the draft law and the exit of ultra-Orthodox parties from government, and the decision-making core of Hamas sitting comfortably abroad, detached from the battlefield. These conditions left no path for a partial deal, forcing Israel toward a decisive strategy.
If no interim deal emerges, three possible outcomes remain: Hamas surrenders and releases hostages in exchange for safe passage out of Gaza; Hamas collapses as a governing and military entity, allowing Israel to negotiate directly with captors; or the IDF undertakes further military rescue operations, inherently risky but not impossible. The faster Hamas is crushed, the more realistic these options become.
The coming battle for Gaza City is fraught with risk. But Israeli forces enter this stage with hard-earned lessons, advanced technologies, and superior capabilities compared to a beaten enemy. The Chief of Staff’s directive is clear: uphold strict security discipline, press forward decisively yet prudently, and exploit Israel’s advantages.
Amir AviviPhoto: Yariv KatzIf executed correctly, Israel will emerge victorious—defeating Hamas, freeing hostages, and establishing a lasting security reality in which no terror army can rise again in Gaza. Such a victory, though reached under international strain, could usher in a new era: regional and global peace accords stretching as far as Indonesia, economic growth, mass immigration, and renewed national vitality. All of this can begin the day after—if the nation remains united and pushes through to the decisive victory.