This is the official translation of the details of Operation Gideon’s Chariots.
Operation Gideon’s Chariots goal to defeat and subdue Hamas in Gaza and release all the abductees, was unanimously approved yesterday by the political-security cabinet.
In accordance with the plan formulated by the Chief of Staff and the IDF Command and approved by the Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister, the IDF will reinforce its forces and act forcefully to defeat and subdue Hamas and destroy its military and governmental capabilities, while creating strong pressure for the release of all the abductees.
A strong protective envelope will be provided to the forces maneuvering from land, air and sea, while employing heavy tools to neutralize explosives and destroy threatening structures. A central component of the plan is the extensive evacuation of the entire Gaza population from the combat zones, including from northern Gaza, to the territories in southern Gaza, while creating a separation between them and Hamas terrorists – in order to allow the IDF operational freedom of action.
Unlike in the past, the IDF will remain in any area that is decided, in order to prevent the return of terrorism, and will deal with any area that is cleared in accordance with the Rafah model, where all threats have been leveled, and it has become part of the security zone.
The humanitarian closure will continue, and only later, after the start of the operational activity and the large-scale evacuation of the population to the south, will a humanitarian plan be implemented, as presented yesterday by the IDF and approved by the Cabinet, which will differentiate between the aid and Hamas by employing civilian companies and demarcating the area that will be secured by the IDF, including the demarcation of a sterile area in the Rafah area beyond the Morag axis, where those entering the area will be screened” by the IDF in order to prevent the presence of Hamas members.
The deployment of the forces before the start of the maneuver will allow for a window of opportunity until the end of the US president’s visit to the region to carry out a hostage deal according to the Witkoff model.
In such a case, Israel will seek to retain territories that have been cleared and annexed to the security zone beyond the March Lines. In any temporary or permanent arrangement, Israel will not evacuate the security zone around Gaza, which is intended to protect the settlements and prevent the smuggling of weapons to Hamas.
In the event that a hostage deal is not carried out, the “Gideon Chariots” operation will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its objectives are achieved.
The voluntary transition plan for the residents of Gaza, especially those who will be concentrated in the south outside of Hamas control, will be part of the operation’s goals.
Footnote. Operation Godeon’s Chariots will not begin in earnest until after Trump’s visit to the Middle East in mid May.
