In a recent report by U.S. investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, Israel is contemplating a controversial strategy known as the “Leningrad approach” to confront Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip while avoiding a full-scale ground invasion.
However, this approach carries the potential consequence of endangering the lives of around 100,000 Gaza residents, as revealed by an Israeli national security veteran.
“The big debate today … is whether to starve Hamas out or kill as many as 100,000 people in Gaza,” the source told Hersh.
“Hamas now only has a two or three-day supply of purified water and that, along with a lack of food … may be enough to flush all the Hamas (forces) out,” he added.
As part of this strategy, Israel announced a comprehensive blockade of Gaza, effectively cutting off the supply of food, water, medicines, fuel, and electricity to the region. The situation in Gaza had already been dire due to relentless airstrikes on civilian sites, including mosques, hospitals, educational institutions, and residential buildings.
The primary premise of the “Leningrad approach” is to compel Hamas forces, believed to be primarily residing underground, to evacuate without resorting to a costly and challenging ground offensive that would involve building-by-building combat.
According to the source, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country’s military leadership have expressed reservations about their forces’ readiness for a ground invasion in Gaza. Many of the forces have not been adequately trained for combat and are primarily employed as security guards in the West Bank.
One potential outcome of the “Leningrad approach” could be the release of Israeli women and children taken hostage by Hamas in exchange for essential supplies, as suggested by the source.
The situation remains highly fluid and unpredictable, with Israel considering whether to proceed with a general ground invasion.
Approximately 360,000 reservists have been undergoing accelerated training since their mobilization, and Israel is expected to finalize its military strategy by the end of the week, according to the source.
| Vanguard
