Israeli Withdrawal from Netzarim Axis: A Strategic Setback in Gaza

Watan-The Israeli occupation forces have withdrawn from the Netzarim axis, marking a strategic shift in the war on the Gaza Strip. After continuous attempts to establish a permanent presence in the area, Israel was forced to retreat under the pressure of resistance strikes and political negotiations, signifying the failure of its plan to divide the strip and control its northern part.

The Israeli withdrawal came as part of a ceasefire agreement, but it was not purely a military decision; rather, it resulted from the occupation’s failure to achieve its field objectives. Over the past months, Israel had attempted to impose new realities by expanding the Netzarim axis to a width of 80 kilometers and a depth of between 6.5 and 7 kilometers.

It established four main positions supported by four additional backup sites and began constructing infrastructure to reinforce its presence. However, most of these structures were designed to be dismantled, indicating the occupation’s readiness to withdraw at any moment.

Military analyst Fayez Al-Duwairi viewed this withdrawal as having more political and strategic implications than being merely a military step. He argued that it reflects the failure of Israel’s vision for Gaza and confirms that resistance and negotiations can impose new equations on the ground.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth noted that the Netzarim axis was a key element in settlers’ aspirations to return to settlements in northern Gaza, meaning that the evacuation represents a severe blow to these ambitions and confirms that no Israeli forces remain in the northern part of the Strip following this withdrawal.

Before pulling out, the Israeli occupation forces set fire to some properties and belongings in the area, a tactic previously used during other withdrawals from different Palestinian areas. While Israel attempts to present this step as part of political arrangements, the situation on the ground reveals that it came after the failure to achieve the military objectives set at the start of the war.

The withdrawal from the Netzarim axis is a significant development for Gaza’s residents, as it facilitates civilian movement after the axis had been a major obstacle due to the siege imposed by the occupation. This change confirms that Palestinian resistance has succeeded in imposing a new reality on the ground and forcing the occupation to reconsider its calculations, which may lead to further shifts in the course of the war in the coming period.