Israel develops new war plans to pressure Hamas as cease-fire talks stall

Israel is preparing a series of escalatory measures to pressure Hamas, with plans that could ultimately lead to a renewed invasion of the Gaza Strip, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Saturday.

The plans come as negotiations for extending the seven-week cease-fire have stalled, leaving Israel to consider alternative strategies to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Israel’s strategy for increasing pressure on Hamas

The first phase of Israel’s strategy has already begun with the blockade of goods and supplies into Gaza.

According to Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, further measures discussed in a recent cabinet meeting include cutting off electricity and water.

If these steps fail to achieve the desired outcome, Israel could escalate to airstrikes and tactical raids against targets.

According to an Israeli security analyst briefed on the plan, a potential next step involves the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who returned to northern Gaza during the ceasefire process.

Potential full-scale invasion

The final stage of Israel’s war plans could involve a large-scale reinvasion of Gaza, deploying greater military power than in previous operations.

Sources familiar with the plan indicated that Israel aims to hold territory and eliminate remaining Hamas forces.

“There’s a determination to go back in and finish Hamas no matter what happens,” said Michael Makovsky, a former Pentagon official and president of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America. “I think Israel will go in tougher and stronger.”

Cease-fire talks at stalemate

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have reached a deadlock.

Israel demands the release of remaining hostages, while Hamas insists on a permanent cease-fire and refuses to disarm. As an interim measure, Israel has offered a one-month extension of the cease-fire if Hamas continues to release hostages.

However, Israeli officials have set a Saturday deadline for Hamas to comply before escalating military actions.

Hamas has rejected disarmament and insists on discussing a permanent end to the war. Arab mediators have warned that Israel is prepared to gradually escalate pressure if Hamas does not comply.

Trump’s warning and US involvement in Gaza

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed growing impatience with the stalled negotiations.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump warned Hamas: “You are DEAD!” if they do not immediately release all remaining hostages. The following day, Trump and his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff suggested that the U.S. and Israel could take joint action against Hamas.

Trump’s statements coincided with reports that a U.S. envoy held secret talks with Hamas, a departure from longstanding U.S. policy of non-engagement with the group.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua claimed that Trump’s threats were an attempt to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to abandon the cease-fire agreement and tighten the siege on Gaza.

Israel’s military readiness

Israeli analysts believe that the country is better prepared for an invasion than at the start of the war. Ammunition reserves have been replenished, restrictions imposed by the Biden administration have been lifted, and Israeli troops no longer face immediate threats from Hezbollah on the northern border.

The war has allegedly weakened Hamas, with Israel estimating that it has killed 20,000 members, including key commanders.

Challenges of another invasion

Despite Hamas’ losses, some analysts believe it could survive another Israeli offensive.

“I think there had been an underestimation in terms of Hamas’ numbers and operational capacity,”said Tahani Mustafa, a senior Palestine analyst at the International Crisis Group. “If anything, recruitment has seen a significant uptick.”

If Israel moves forward with a full invasion, it would likely take six months to a year to dismantle Hamas, according to former Israeli National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror.

Hostages and humanitarian crisis

Israel faces the difficulty of resuming military operations while Hamas still holds hostages.

At least 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel believing that 24 are alive. Israeli military activity has led to the deaths of at least 14 hostages, while Hamas has executed six others, according to Israeli authorities.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. Palestinian health officials report more than 48,000 deaths since the start of Israel’s military campaign, while nearly the entire population of Gaza has been displaced.

International human rights groups warn that the blockade and military strikes risk worsening the humanitarian situation further.

Uncertain future for Gaza

Egypt and Qatar continue to mediate between the parties, pushing for the implementation of the second phase of the cease-fire, which would lead to a final agreement ending the war. However, Israel and Washington remains committed to pressuring Hamas until all hostages are released.