The Israeli military has stated that its objective, once hostilities cease, is to deny Hamas any remaining military capability. An IDF spokesperson, Jonathan Conricus, conveyed this in a television interview with CNN, emphasizing the aim of eradicating Hamas’s armed potential as the war concludes.
Conricus indicated that the force is currently planning missions focused on strengthening operations along the nation’s southern border, preparing for a series of targeted actions as the conflict unfolds.
On October 7, Hamas launched a substantial barrage of rockets into Israel, triggering the initiation of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. In response to the escalation, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced a state of emergency, signaling heightened security measures across the country.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later declared that Israel is at war and that the military campaign against Hamas has been designated Iron Swords. The IDF has framed the operation as a decisive effort to neutralize Hamas’s ability to wage future attacks.
Analysts and observers note the volatility of the situation and the divergent expectations regarding the duration of the escalation, as security forces adapt to shifting threats and urban combat challenges. The government has stressed the need for rapid, focused action while preparing the population for ongoing security contingencies and potential future contingencies that may arise from the broader regional crisis, as described in reports from CNN and other monitoring outlets.