The Israeli military officially confirmed on Monday the withdrawal of thousands of troops from the Gaza Strip. This move is seen as a potential shift towards a new phase of lower-intensity conflict with the Hamas militant group.
The confirmation coincided with Israel’s Supreme Court striking down a crucial part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial judicial overhaul plan. While not directly related to the ongoing war, the plan had caused deep divisions within Israel. It raised concerns about military readiness before the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that triggered the conflict.
Politicians cautioned against reigniting internal divisions and urged the preservation of national unity during the Israel-Hamas war.
Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged to continue the military offensive until Hamas is defeated and over 100 hostages held by the group in Gaza are released. However, international pressure has mounted on Israel to scale back the offensive, resulting in nearly 22,000 Palestinian casualties.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, advocating for the protection of Palestinian civilians, is expected to visit the region next week.
The Israeli army announced the withdrawal of five brigades, comprising several thousand troops, from Gaza in the coming weeks. Some will return for further training or rest, while older reservists will be released. The war has impacted the economy by preventing reservists from attending jobs, running businesses, or resuming university studies.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army’s chief spokesperson, did not specify whether this troop withdrawal signaled a new phase but mentioned prolonged fighting preparations.
The move aligns with Israeli leaders’ plans for a protracted low-intensity campaign focusing on remaining Hamas strongholds and “pockets of resistance.” Northern Gaza is reportedly close to operational control, reducing the need for forces there. However, intense fighting persists in other areas, particularly the south, where many of Hamas’ forces remain, and a majority of Gaza’s population has fled.
