Israel to Launch Major Gaza Operation 'Gideon Chariots' Post-Trump Visit, Mobilizes Reserve Troops Amid Hostage Deal Talks

Israel's Security Cabinet has approved a military operation in Gaza, codenamed 'Gideon’s Chariots,' aiming for full occupation and dismantling of Hamas. The operation is set to launch after U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East visit from May 13-16, contingent on hostage negotiations with Hamas. Tens of thousands of Israeli reserve troops have been mobilized. The plan includes capturing Gaza, relocating its population, and establishing a permanent military presence. The operation's timing is linked to potential hostage deals, with criticism from some Israeli groups over prioritizing territorial goals over hostage safety.

Operation 'Gideon’s Chariots': Strategic Shift Toward Full Occupation

On Sunday night, Israel’s Security Cabinet unanimously approved a sweeping military plan to expand its offensive in Gaza. The operation, officially named "Merkavot Gideon" or "Gideon’s Chariots," marks a significant shift in Israel’s military strategy—from targeted raids to long-term territorial control. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that this would not be a temporary incursion, stating, “We will not enter Gaza only to withdraw like before. This will not be a temporary operation or limited raids. We are planning the exact opposite” (Watanserb).

The operation’s name draws historical and religious symbolism, referencing Israel’s 1948 Operation Gideon, which aimed to seize Palestinian territory. The current plan includes the capture of the entire Gaza Strip, the forced relocation of its population, and the establishment of a permanent Israeli military presence in secured areas (Anadolu Agency).

Timing Linked to Trump’s Middle East Visit

The launch of the operation has been deliberately delayed until after President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to 16. Although Trump will not visit Israel during this trip, Israeli officials have described the visit as a “window of opportunity” to secure a hostage deal with Hamas. A senior Israeli defense official stated, “If there is no hostage deal, Operation 'Gideon Chariots' will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved” (Fox News).

The Israeli government has allocated the roughly 10-day window before the operation to finalize tactical planning and troop mobilization. The IDF has already begun issuing deployment orders to tens of thousands of reservists, with many already reporting for duty (Yedioth Ahronoth via Watanserb).

Hostage Deal as a Conditional Trigger

The operation’s timing is closely tied to the fate of ongoing hostage negotiations. Hamas is believed to still be holding hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, cross-border attack. Israeli officials have indicated that the military will avoid areas where hostages are suspected to be held, and coordination with the Hostage and Missing Persons Headquarters is ongoing (Ynet News).

Despite this, Prime Minister Netanyahu has downplayed the centrality of the hostage issue in recent public statements. “We have many objectives, many goals in this war. We want to bring back all of our hostages. That is a very important goal. In war, there is a supreme objective. And that supreme objective is victory over our enemies,” he said last week (Fox News).

This stance has drawn criticism from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which accused the government of prioritizing territorial conquest over the safe return of hostages. The group labeled the plan the “Smotrich-Netanyahu plan,” suggesting it sacrifices national resilience for political goals.

Military and Humanitarian Preparations

The IDF’s operational plan includes a phased approach. The first stage involves the seizure of additional areas in Gaza and the expansion of the Israeli-designated buffer zone. This is intended to provide leverage in negotiations and to prevent Hamas from regaining control of cleared areas (BBC News).

A senior Israeli security official confirmed that the humanitarian blockade on Gaza will remain in place during the initial phase. Only after a large-scale civilian evacuation to the south will a humanitarian aid plan be activated. This plan will involve civilian contractors and secure zones guarded by Israeli forces to ensure aid does not reach Hamas (Israel Hayom).

The IDF has warned that supplies in Gaza could run out within a month. While the volume of aid will not return to pre-war levels, essential supplies will be allowed under strict supervision (Ynet News).

International and Regional Reactions

The planned operation has drawn international scrutiny. Qatar, a key mediator in hostage negotiations, criticized Netanyahu’s rhetoric, calling it “a defense of ‘civilization’ that echoes the rhetoric of regimes throughout history that have used false narratives to justify crimes against innocent civilians” (Fox News).

Meanwhile, far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Orit Strock opposed the plan, arguing that Gaza already receives sufficient aid. However, their objections were not adopted by the cabinet (Ynet News).

Mobilization and Tactical Readiness

The IDF’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has emphasized that the operation will avoid areas where hostages are believed to be held. The military is currently in the force deployment phase, which includes the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists and the finalization of tactical plans. This phase is expected to conclude by the end of Trump’s visit, after which the operation may begin if no hostage deal is reached (Israel Hayom).

The operation is expected to include a long-term Israeli military presence in captured areas, with no clear timeline for withdrawal. This marks a departure from previous operations, which typically involved temporary incursions followed by withdrawal.

References

• Netanyahu Approves Expanded Invasion of Gaza Under “Gideon’s Chariots” Operation
• FACTBOX - Israel’s new plan for Gaza: Occupation, displacement, aid control amid genocide
• Israel says Trump’s Middle East visit is the ‘window of opportunity’ for hostage deal
• From raids to territorial control: This is the IDF’s plan for next phase of Gaza War
• Israel cabinet approves plan to 'capture' Gaza - official
• Cabinet approves launch of major Gaza operation, sets start date
• Israel to launch Gaza plan after Trump Mideast visit; Palestinian transfer 'key goal'