Israeli defense official: Operation planned for months, launch date set weeks ago.

Israeli defense official: Operation planned for months, launch date set weeks ago.

Israeli Defense Officials Confirm Months-Long Planning for Gaza Military Expansion

Israeli defense officials have confirmed that the recent escalation of military operations in Gaza was planned over months, with the launch date set weeks prior to the March 18 resumption of hostilities. The expanded campaign, which includes the seizure of territory and large-scale displacement of Gaza's population, aims to "crush and clear" Hamas infrastructure while securing the release of remaining hostages. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the operation's focus on establishing permanent Israeli security zones, including the Morag Corridor and expanded buffer zones along Gaza's borders.

The military strategy, outlined by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, involves occupying significant portions of Gaza and restricting Hamas' control over humanitarian aid distribution. This aligns with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion that the operation will continue until all hostages are released. However, critics argue that military action has failed to secure hostage releases, with 24 of 59 hostages believed alive and 35 presumed dead.

Humanitarian and economic consequences are intensifying. A two-month Israeli blockade of aid has exacerbated Gaza's crisis, with bakeries shuttered, food supplies depleted, and healthcare systems strained. The UN warns that Israel's plan to distribute aid through military-controlled hubs violates humanitarian principles and risks entrenching displacement. Meanwhile, Egypt and Qatar continue mediating ceasefire efforts, including a proposal to exchange five hostages for a temporary truce.

Internationally, the EU and UK have urged restraint, citing concerns over civilian casualties and regional instability. The U.S., while not explicitly endorsing the expansion, has deployed military assets to the region, including F-22 jets and refueling aircraft, amid rising tensions with Iran.

For investors, the prolonged conflict underscores risks to regional stability, humanitarian aid flows, and geopolitical alliances. The Israeli military's emphasis on sustained operations suggests prolonged resource allocation, while Gaza's economic collapse raises questions about long-term reconstruction needs. As Netanyahu's government faces domestic pressure to prioritize hostage releases over territorial gains, the financial and human costs of the conflict remain central to global scrutiny.