Israel Nears Goal of Controlling 75% of Gaza, Says IDF Chief

Israel’s top military commander says the country is close to achieving its operational objectives in Gaza, including securing control over more than 75% of the territory.

“The damage inflicted on Iran may work in our favor in Gaza,” Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said on June 27 during a visit to frontline commanders in the Gaza Strip. “In the near future, the military will reach its stated objectives for this phase of Operation Gideon Chariot.”

Launched in late May, Operation Gideon Chariot aims to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and gain military control over approximately 75% of Gaza—including the cities of Rafah, Khan Younis, and northern areas of Gaza City. At the start of the campaign, Israeli forces controlled around 40% of the territory and estimated they would reach their goal within two months.

Israeli officials believe that cutting off Iranian support for Hamas could pressure the militant group to make concessions in hostage negotiations. After a 12-day conflict with Iran ended in a ceasefire, Israel shifted its focus back to the Gaza front.

General Zamir confirmed that the IDF is drafting its next steps, emphasizing that the military remains committed to two core missions: rescuing hostages and defeating Hamas. Analysts interpret his remarks as a signal to Israel’s political leadership: it’s time to choose between negotiating a hostage deal with Hamas—or preparing for the IDF to establish a military administration in Gaza.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Zamir is expected to present his strategic plan to the security cabinet on June 29.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far resisted calls to end the war in Gaza, insisting the operation must continue until Hamas is completely dismantled. However, military analysts at Channel 12 suggest Netanyahu may reconsider his stance—especially following diplomatic pressure from the U.S. and top Israeli generals, along with what’s seen as a strategic win in the 12-day conflict with Iran.

Channel 12 military correspondent Nir Dvori noted that Zamir recently canceled a planned emergency mobilization of a reserve brigade. That move, he says, may reflect the growing exhaustion of IDF troops after more than 20 months of continuous warfare—and could be a subtle message to the political leadership that the military needs a new direction.

(According to Times of Israel and AFP)

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