Operation “Am KaLavi” continues to astonish the world and reinforces Israel’s stature as a military and security powerhouse. Beyond the impressive capabilities demonstrated by the Israeli Air Force, Mossad, and other agencies involved, the political leadership and the clearly synchronized strategic moves notably stand out. These factors instill a strong sense of confidence among those directing the campaign, primarily due to the clarity of direction.

The astonishing success raises an inevitable question: Is this the same Israel that previously endured prolonged stagnation in Gaza? How does a nation that struggles to achieve its objectives in a small territory like Gaza manage to swiftly undermine the formidable Iranian threat and approach the completion of strategic goals in mere days?

In this paper, I will highlight the key differences between these two campaigns in terms of their management, exploring the reasons behind these disparities.

General Characteristics of the Campaigns

Combat Features

In Gaza, Israel’s declared goals are comprehensive: the total eradication of Hamas and the safe return of all hostages. Achieving these objectives requires ground maneuvers and, particularly challenging in Gaza, subterranean operations due to Hamas’s extensive tunnel infrastructure. Despite Gaza’s geographical proximity, this operation is extraordinarily painstaking. Hamas, as a guerrilla…