Israel Overhauls Gaza Border Security: Historic Military Changes Following Ceasefire
First-ever deployment of two divisions along the Gaza border reflects escalating security challenges and Israel's response to future threats.
Watan-The Israeli occupation army has announced significant changes to its defense system around the Gaza perimeter following the agreement on a ceasefire. For the first time in Israel’s history, two regular divisions will be stationed along the Gaza border, reflecting escalating security challenges after 15 months of devastating war.
According to Israeli reports, the 162nd regular division will be added to the Gaza Division, which was previously responsible for the border areas. The new division, which includes the Givati, Nahal, and 401 brigades, along with an artillery battalion, will take responsibility for the northern sector of the region. Meanwhile, the Gaza Division, with its northern and southern brigades, will continue overseeing the southern sector.
This change increases the Israeli army’s combat strength in the region to the equivalent of two divisions, adding three brigades and an artillery battalion, along with the establishment of 14 new military posts along the border with Gaza. The updated security system will include minefields, barbed wire, trenches, a separation wall, and surveillance towers. According to military sources, these measures aim to prevent any infiltration from Gaza into the surrounding areas.
Before the October 7 attack, Israeli defensive deployments were limited to the Gaza Division, with its northern and southern brigades. The northern brigade included the Yiftach and Nahal Oz battalions, while the southern brigade consisted of the Kisufim and Sufa battalions. Now, with the addition of the 162nd division, Israel appears to be improving its readiness for any potential future threats.
These moves come at a sensitive time following the signing of the ceasefire agreement, as Israel seeks to secure the Gaza perimeter against any future escalation amidst growing security challenges. These changes reflect Israeli concerns about the possibility of renewed attacks after the truce ends, or even during the reconstruction phase anticipated for the region.
The new Israeli strategy demonstrates an attempt by the occupation to balance its moral and political defeat with strengthened military power. While Gaza views the agreement as a victory for its people’s will and resistance, it is evident that the occupation is reorganizing its efforts to mitigate any future threats from the region.
