President Trump promised "Hell to Pay" if hostages were not released (video clip)

Israel Prepares Bold Gaza Strategy as Trump Era Ushers New Opportunities

Details
The Judean Staff
Explainer

Senior Israeli officials have indicated that, starting January 20, 2025, the dynamics in Gaza could shift dramatically. With Donald Trump returning to the White House, a seismic change in U.S.-Israel relations is anticipated, particularly regarding Israel’s military and strategic approach in the Gaza Strip.

But what could these changes look like and how can Israel take advantage of them to hasten the return of the hostages and the remains of those that Hamas and Palestinians carted off into Gaza on October 7th, 2023 to be used as bargaining chips?From his own words, Trump’s priorities are crystal clear: secure the release of hostages and deliver a decisive Israeli victory over Hamas. How these objectives are achieved appears to be of little concern to the incoming administration given the loud and public threat that President-Elect Trump made to Hamas about what will happen if the hostages were not released before he takes the reigns once again, of the world's largest superpower.

A New Dawn in U.S.-Israel Relations

Preparations in Israel for what is being referred to as "The Trump Era" are cloaked in secrecy, with high-level discussions taking place in Jerusalem and at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv. A senior Israeli official hinted that, should negotiations with Hamas fail to yield results by January 20, Israel will recalibrate its rules of engagement with the terror organization.

Under the Biden administration, Israel has operated under significant constraints, from humanitarian aid requirements to restrictions on certain military actions. These limitations are expected to evaporate under Trump, paving the way for Israel to adopt a radically different approach. “It will be time to think entirely out of the box,” said one senior Israeli official. “We need to dismantle the cycle where Hamas leverages hostages and released prisoners to perpetuate its operations.”

A Strategic Shift: No More Constraints

The changes Israel could implement are sweeping and uncompromising:

  1. Control Over Humanitarian Aid: The Biden administration’s insistence on humanitarian assistance to Gaza—despite evidence of Hamas’s diversion of aid—will no longer dictate Israeli actions. Under Trump, humanitarian aid could be slashed or tightly controlled, cutting off resources that sustain Hamas’s operations.
  2. Unleashing Delayed Armaments: Trump has pledged to release all U.S. weapons shipments delayed under Biden on his first day in office. This includes advanced bombs and artillery shells that could significantly bolster the IDF’s ability to expand military operations and execute precision strikes on Hamas infrastructure.
  3. Population Transfers on the Table: One of the most controversial potential shifts involves population evacuations in Gaza. While previous U.S. administrations would have raised significant objections, Trump is unlikely to oppose such measures if framed as necessary for dismantling Hamas or securing the hostages.
  4. Cutting Fuel and Essential Supplies: Netanyahu would no longer face pressure to provide fuel, electricity, or dual-use materials to Gaza. The reinstatement of stringent measures, such as cutting off electricity and water, could further destabilize Hamas’s hold on the region.

Creative Approaches to Breaking Hamas

Israel is also exploring alternative tactics to weaken Hamas’s grip. These include financial rewards or exile deals for Hamas members willing to cooperate or defect. Though still in their infancy, these strategies could gain traction if traditional military measures fall short. Leaflets and posters distributed across Gaza, coupled with targeted psychological operations, have already hinted at these options, but officials believe they could be intensified under Trump’s hands-off approach.

Moreover, sophisticated methods to exploit internal divisions within Hamas could be employed. By isolating factions within the organization and fostering distrust, Israel could dismantle Hamas from within, complementing its military efforts.

Hamas Braces for Impact

There is growing evidence that Hamas understands the storm on the horizon. Recent signs of flexibility in negotiations suggest the group is keenly aware of the potential consequences come January 20. Yet, Hamas’s track record of intransigence leaves little room for optimism. If talks falter, Israeli decision-makers may have no choice but to meet Trump’s expectations with unprecedented force.

Opening the Gates of Hell

As January approaches, the message from Jerusalem is clear: time is running out. If Hamas refuses to release hostages and continues its provocations, Israel is prepared to unleash a campaign of unparalleled intensity. With Trump’s support, the constraints of the past will no longer hold back Israel’s response.

This looming transformation signals the start of a new chapter, one where Israel will do whatever it takes to dismantle Hamas, rescue its citizens, and secure its borders.

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