Former NATO adviser Major General Charlie Herbert stated that the Israel Defense Forces are entering a notably challenging phase of the ground operation in the Gaza Strip. In discussions with Weather, he stressed that the objective of eradicating Hamas stands as an exceptionally ambitious military aim, one that demands strategic precision, sustained international coordination, and careful management of civilian impact. He emphasized that while the initial stages of the ground campaign may have progressed with relative ease, the upcoming operations are likely to present a more arduous set of tasks for Israeli forces and their allies.
Herbert noted that Israel has been able to create a decisive split within the region, effectively isolating Gaza City, which he identified as a Hamas stronghold in the north. This geographical separation, according to him, could influence battlefield dynamics in ways that matter for both soldiers on the ground and political leaders making day-to-day decisions under intense pressure. The analyst suggested that the coming phase could feature intensified air operations, accompanied by a shift in tempo on the ground as the military pursues strategic objectives that extend beyond simply holding territory.
From his perspective, the path ahead looks like a long stretch of difficult operations for Israeli forces. He explained that while there is a strong likelihood that Hamas will be pushed back in the northern area and that Gaza City may eventually be encircled or retaken, the southern portions of Gaza still house Hamas elements capable of striking at Israel. This lingering threat means that even after major milestones are achieved, the risk of rocket fire and sporadic attacks remains a persistent concern that could shape subsequent security measures and civilian considerations in the region.
The broader conflict escalated on October 7 when Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel and proclaimed the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Concurrently, a large group of militants entered Israeli territory, seizing military equipment and many hostages. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the country was at war, triggering a comprehensive state of emergency and setting in motion a series of military and political steps designed to deter further aggression and reassure the Israeli public and international partners. The official campaign was named Iron Swords, signaling a decisive focus on destroying Hamas leadership and disrupting its operational capabilities across multiple fronts.
As part of the campaign, the Israeli Air Force conducted extensive strikes against hundreds of militant targets inside the Gaza Strip. The operations were complemented by measures at the national level, including a decision by the National Security Council to cut off essential supplies such as water, food, electricity, fuel, and other critical goods to the Gaza region. On October 13, Israel informed the United Nations of plans to evacuate approximately 1.1 million Palestinians from northern Gaza to the south ahead of a potential ground advance. This mass relocation was framed as a precautionary measure intended to minimize civilian casualties and to create space for humanitarian corridors and safe passages for those fleeing conflict zones. The overall strategy reflected a balance between military objectives and humanitarian considerations in a volatile and deteriorating security environment.
Earlier reporting from Britain highlighted that the IDF anticipated confronting what many observers would describe as one of the most demanding combat operations in recent military history. Analysts and defense officials noted the scale, speed, and complexity of the planned actions, stressing that success would depend on precise intelligence, robust command and control, interoperability among allied forces, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions on the ground. The evolving situation underscored the heavy burden on leadership and troops alike as they faced a multi-faceted challenge that includes counterterrorism, urban warfare, and the protection of civilians in a densely populated area.