Gaza: Israel prepares for potential large-scale offensive

The Israeli military is preparing for the possibility of a "large-scale" resumption of hostilities in Gaza, should current negotiations fail, according to Israeli media citing military officials. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) believe Hamas has used the recent period, marked by other regional fronts, to reconstitute its military and command capabilities.

Intelligence reports indicate that Hamas has restored part of its infrastructure, including damaged tunnel sections. The IDF also assesses that the group has reorganized its command and control systems, despite the loss of several military leaders. The recent deaths of two Hamas military wing leaders in May are seen by Israeli authorities as a setback for the movement's hierarchy, but not a neutralization of its operational capacity.

This assessment aligns with international media and research analyses suggesting Hamas retains a flexible structure suited for asymmetric warfare. Observers note that its underground networks, local units, and dispersed command chain allow the group to withstand significant military pressure.

If a new campaign is launched, the IDF might expand operations into areas previously avoided due to concerns about hostage presence. These include parts of central Gaza's displacement camps, the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone, and large sectors of Gaza City. This expansion is particularly sensitive, as avoiding these areas has limited the army's tactical options for months.