Israel to Partially Withdraw Troops from Gaza, Anticipating Ongoing Conflict until 2024
Israel to withdraw troops from Gaza, signaling a shift in conflict dynamics While thousands of soldiers will be pulled out this week, fighting is predicted to persist in the coming years, according to a top military official
The Israel Defense Forces will start withdrawing thousands of soldiers from Gaza this week to prepare for the next phase of the conflict, as announced on Monday. However, a senior official cautioned that the fighting is likely to persist throughout the year. This marks the largest withdrawal of troops from the territory since the war against Hamas started and follows the military's decision to extend operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip.
On Monday, a high-ranking US official mentioned that the country's gradual transition to a lower-intensity phase of war is becoming evident. The IDF stated that the 551st and 14th brigades, which are made up of reservists, will be returning to their families and civilian lives this week.
The IDF announced that the 828th brigade, responsible for training squad commanders, the 261st brigade, responsible for training army officers, and the 460th brigade, responsible for training the armored corps, will resume their scheduled training. The IDF anticipates that this decision will alleviate economic pressures and allow the troops to prepare for upcoming activities in the next year, as the fighting will continue and their services will remain necessary.
IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari announced on Sunday that the return of reservists is to ensure preparedness for the ongoing conflict in 2024 and for potential future tasks and warfare. He emphasized the need for prolonged fighting to achieve the war objectives.
Israel's ground operation has shifted towards the central and southern regions of the Strip, while fighting in the north persists. The UN estimates that 52% to 65% of structures have been damaged and 46,000 housing units have been completely destroyed.
Last week, the IDF expanded its operations into Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) issued a warning on Thursday, stating that over 150,000 people "have nowhere to go" after the IDF advised residents in various parts of central Gaza to evacuate urgently.
Esther Hayut, President of the Israeli Supreme Court, along with other judges, convene at the court premises in Jerusalem on September 28, 2023, to consider petitions regarding the law that prevents the court from potentially requiring the prime minister to step down from office. (Photo: Menahem Kahana/Pool/AFP/Getty Images)
Israel's Supreme Court has invalidated a crucial component of the judicial reform, a decision that may exacerbate existing tensions as warfare continues. As a response to the surprise attacks by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli fatalities and the capture of hostages, Israel has set its sights on dismantling the Palestinian militant group.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Saturday that Israel's conflict in Gaza has reached its peak and is projected to persist for several months, as reported by Israel's Army Radio.
In early December, senior US officials informed CNN that they anticipated the ongoing phase of Israel's ground operation focused on the southern region of the Strip to continue for weeks before shifting, potentially by January, to a less intense, localized strategy aimed at specific Hamas militants and leaders.
The US is urging Israeli officials to transition into a more targeted phase of combat. The Biden administration has cautioned Israel against using the same destructive tactics and emphasizes the need to minimize civilian casualties.
According to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza, over 21,000 people have been killed in the enclave during Israel's offensive.
A US official stated that the announcement on Monday indicates a beginning of a gradual shift to lower intensity operations in the northern region of Gaza, a move encouraged by American officials. The official noted that the move reflects the success of IDF forces in dismantling Hamas military capabilities in Northern Gaza. However, the official cautioned that there is still ongoing fighting in the north and that this does not seem to reflect any changes in the southern region of Gaza.
American officials are seeing the upcoming weeks as a crucial time that will reveal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's willingness to transition to a less aggressive approach in dealing with Hamas in Gaza.
Later this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is anticipated to visit the Middle East to further conversations with Israeli officials regarding the next stage of the conflict in Gaza, which American officials have stated they anticipate will begin soon.
