Israel responded to Hamas s devastating assault on October 7 with the biggest mobilisation in the nation s history. But when its tanks and troops finally entered Gaza this weekend, it was not the full-scale invasion some had expected.
Current and former officials said the seemingly limited scope of Israel s initial incursion which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dubbed the second stage of Israel s war with Hamas reflected a complex mix of factors. But above all, Israel wanted to maximise its firepower advantage over Hamas and minimise its own casualties, while attempting to avoid drawing other adversaries into the war, they added.
On a tactical level, the smaller than expected footprint meant ground troops could more easily be provided with close air support crucial cover for entering parts of northern Gaza where Hamas has spent years preparing defences, according to one person familiar with Israel s battle plans.
We are not taking any chances, said Amir Avivi, former deputy commander of the Gaza Division of Israel s military. When our soldiers are manoeuvring we are doing this with massive artillery, with 50 aeroplanes overhead destroying anything that moves.
Officials say the fighting in Gaza will be intense: Hamas has trained for urban combat and has built a huge network of tunnels, nicknamed the Gaza Metro , which helps move fighters and weapons undetected. The militant group also has an arsenal of anti-tank weapons and improvised explosive devices.