Israel's 'Three-Phase' War with Hamas; Gallant: The Goal is 'Eradication of Hamas and Establishing a New Security Order'

Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, outlined Israel's military plans and objectives in the Gaza Strip during a meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in Tel Aviv on Friday, October 20. He stated that Israel's goal is to eradicate the terrorist group Hamas by destroying its military capabilities and its dominance over the Gaza Strip, and after establishing a new security order, Israel will bear no responsibility for the daily lives of Gaza residents. The Defense Minister told the committee members that the war with Hamas will have three main phases: 'We are in the first phase, during which military operations will be conducted with [air strikes] and then with [ground maneuvers], aimed at eliminating Hamas elements and damaging the infrastructure used by Hamas to achieve their complete defeat and destruction.' According to him, in the second phase, the war will continue but with less intensity to 'eliminate any resistance.' He further explained the third phase, stating: 'The third step is establishing a new security order in the Gaza Strip, ending Israel's responsibility for the daily lives of the people in Gaza and creating a new security reality for Israeli citizens and residents [of the areas surrounding Gaza].' On Thursday, October 19, in a speech to Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border, he said: 'Now you see Gaza from afar, but soon you will see it from within. Orders will be issued.' He added that the battle in the Gaza Strip will be difficult and prolonged. Hamas, supported financially and militarily by the Islamic Republic, attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians. More than 200 Israeli civilians, military personnel, and foreign nationals have been taken hostage by Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, with the status of most of them unknown. In response to this attack, Israel began airstrikes and a blockade of the Gaza Strip, which have continued to this day. Images from VOA show the transfer of light military equipment from the U.S. to the front lines of the Israeli army. Reports from Arash Sigarachi from the front lines of the Israel-Hamas war; farms that became battlefields. Regional reactions to the continuation of the Israel-Hamas war; an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. A review of the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas war; a report from a VOA journalist. Guterres' visit to the Rafah border crossing coincided with intensified efforts to aid Gaza's civilians. The Israeli army claims to have attacked the positions of three 'terrorists' from Hezbollah in Lebanon. Tensions continue along the Lebanese border; several rockets were fired into northern Israel. The Israeli army attacked over 100 targets in the Gaza Strip. The Defense Minister instructed ground forces: 'Prepare for an attack on Gaza.' Joe Biden stated: 'The Islamic Republic supports destructive goals from Russia and Hamas.'