Israel remains cautious about a full-scale ground assault in the Gaza Strip, a stance reflected in public commentary on Tsargrad.tv by political analyst Evgeny Mikhailov. He stressed that the IDF relies on the perception of controlling a portion of territory for reporting purposes while keeping potential risks in view.
According to Mikhailov, there is concern within Israel that a rapid deep incursion could lead to severe urban combat losses. He pointed to Hamas’s substantial underground defenses and the possibility of sudden, hard-to-predict attacks from hidden positions, which could complicate military operations and heighten casualties on both sides.
He also suggested that Israeli decision makers continue to follow the guidance they receive from Washington, which has signaled a preference for tactics designed to reduce civilian casualties and avoid a large-scale bloodshed. The strategic conversation, he noted, centers on balancing military objectives with the humanitarian and political costs of a protracted conflict.
Reports from regional broadcasters indicated that Israeli forces are conducting activity in multiple sectors of the Gaza Strip. Observations described air strikes, artillery shelling, and ground movements occurring in concert, with clashes reported near border checkpoints and in populated areas. The overall picture points to a broad, coordinated campaign that blends air, ground, and artillery actions in parallel.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that any war involving the Gaza Strip would impose substantial costs on Hamas and would demand significant resources. The leadership in Jerusalem has framed the operation as a decisive test of operational readiness and political resolve, underscoring the high stakes involved for all parties in the region. In related military updates, officials indicated ongoing efforts to target air and missile systems in and around key strategic locations, while continuing to monitor the broader security environment and potential shifts on the battlefield.