Israel keeps six brigades deployed
- Israel maintains six IDF brigades in Gaza on May 5, 2026, targeting Hamas tunnels, smuggling routes, and commanders despite a fragile ceasefire agreement. - IDF maps indicate control over nearly 60% of Gaza territory, with operations expanding buffer zones and securing key areas amid stalled hostage talks. - Internal military dissent grows as officers question indefinite deployment strategy, risking ceasefire collapse and renewed high-intensity war.
Israel's military isn't pulling back from Gaza. Six IDF brigades—roughly 20,000-30,000 troops—stay deployed across the Strip. They're hunting tunnels, dismantling smuggling paths, and targeting Hamas leaders. This comes during a shaky ceasefire that's already fraying. Hostage negotiations stalled again this week, and diplomats warn full-scale fighting could restart any day. The stakes? Either Israel secures lasting control—or risks another bloody round. ### Why six brigades specifically? A brigade runs 3,000-5,000 soldiers, equipped for sustained ops. These six are dug in: two in northern Gaza, three in central, one south. They're not static—raids hit Rafah tunnels daily and block Philadelphi Corridor smuggling to Egypt. Ceasefire terms called for phased withdrawal, but Israel froze that after Hamas delays on hostages. Commanders say partial presence deters rearming. ### What do the maps show? IDF internal maps, leaked to media, mark nearly 60% of Gaza under Israeli control—up from 40% pre-ceasefire. Blue zones cover expanded buffers along Netzarim Corridor (splitting north-south Gaza) and Philadelphi (Egypt border). Red shows "operational freedom" areas for raids. Hamas contests this, claiming control in dense urban pockets. But satellite imagery backs IDF claims: cleared fields, destroyed tunnels visible from space. ### What's the ceasefire status? Ceasefire kicked in March 2026 after 18 months of war—phased hostage releases for aid, pauses, withdrawals. Phase one traded 30 hostages for prisoners and trucks of food. But phase two stalled: Hamas demands full exit; Israel insists on "security guarantees" like demilitarization. Qatar-mediated talks collapsed Thursday—Hamas fired rockets, IDF hit back. Diplomats say 48-72 hours decides if it holds. ### Why the internal pushback? Reserve officers and ex-generals are speaking out—publicly. Maj. Gen. (res.) Gershon Hacohen called it "strategic drift" in Ynet: endless occupation without clear endgame drains morale, costs billions shekels monthly. Defense Minister warns of "Hamas resurgence" if troops leave. PM's office pushes "new reality"—Gaza divided
