Israel’s IDF Faces Critical Test During Gaza Ceasefire

The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has put Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) to the test, as each violation of the truce must be met with immediate action. This critical period will determine whether lasting peace can emerge or if hostilities will reignite. With all living hostages now back home, Israel and Hamas are largely refraining from direct conflict, but the quiet may be misleading. Tensions remain high along the newly established Yellow Line, where incidents are already occurring.

Israel has withdrawn from approximately 47% of the Gaza Strip, but Gazans have begun to approach the boundary, probing for weaknesses in Israel’s response. While only a small number of the 28 bodies of hostages still held by Hamas have been returned, these actions appear to be calculated moves designed to test Israel’s resolve. How Jerusalem responds in these early days will shape future interactions, potentially leading to either a sustainable calm or further conflict.

Both Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir have made it clear that Israel will not tolerate violations of the ceasefire agreement. Zamir stated, “We will not let threats grow,” emphasizing that the IDF is prepared to respond decisively. Katz reinforced this message, indicating that any infringement will prompt an immediate reaction. “Yesterday, terrorists were thwarted as they tried to cross the Yellow Line,” he noted.

Past experiences highlight the importance of a firm response. When Israel disengaged from Lebanon in 2000 and Gaza in 2005, it made strong commitments to act against provocations but failed to follow through. This inaction allowed groups like Hezbollah and Hamas to rearm and strengthen their positions, ultimately culminating in the tragic events of October 7.

The lessons learned from that day are fresh in the minds of Israeli leadership. The IDF’s recent actions against Hezbollah violations following a ceasefire in November have been marked by a decisive approach. Katz ordered immediate and effective responses to violations, a policy that has been maintained since. Israel now faces a similar need for strict enforcement in Gaza.

While the situation in Gaza presents unique challenges, including the anticipated arrival of international forces, the IDF currently retains freedom of action. This window of opportunity allows Israel to establish clear deterrence against Hamas. Once foreign personnel are deployed, every Israeli military action will face heightened scrutiny, complicating enforcement efforts.

It is crucial for Israel to respond decisively to minor violations at this juncture. Each encroachment by Hamas fighters and delay in returning hostage bodies serves as a probing tactic, testing Israel’s resolve. The IDF and the government must not view these actions as minor misunderstandings; they are strategic tests that could have significant implications.

Zamir and Katz have both asserted their commitment to preventing a return to the patterns of past conflicts. The haunting reality of October 7 was rooted not only in a surprise attack but also in the failure to act on clear warning signs. Ignoring early threats has proven to be costlier than addressing them promptly.

To avoid a similar fate, the IDF’s mission is clear: to ensure that the lessons of October 7 remain at the forefront of its strategy during this ceasefire. This requires a strong, vigilant response to all provocations. The long-term stability of the region rests on Israel’s ability to maintain readiness and determination in the face of potential threats.