What Will Be the Three Phases of the War? Israel's Defense Minister Reports

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has presented Israel's military plans and objectives in the Gaza Strip during a speech at a meeting of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in Tel Aviv. The information is reported by timesofisrael.com.

He stated that the objectives include the elimination of the Hamas terrorist organization by destroying its military and governmental capabilities, as well as completely erasing Israel's responsibility for Gaza through the creation of a new "security regime" in the area. Gallant informed committee members that the war will consist of three main phases.

"We are currently in the first phase, where a military campaign is underway (with airstrikes), followed by (ground) maneuvers to eliminate militants and damage infrastructure to strike Hamas," Gallant noted.

According to Gallant, the second phase will see combat operations continue but with less intensity as forces work to eliminate "resistance strongholds." He said, "The third step will be the establishment of a new security regime in the Gaza Strip, removing Israel's responsibilities for everyday life in Gaza and creating a new reality of security for Israeli citizens and residents."