Haaretz: A crisis of efficiency in the Israeli army threatens "Gideon 2 vehicles"

A new report has revealed that the Israeli occupation army is facing a critical problem regarding the efficiency and readiness of its regular units, amidst the intensification of the aggression on Gaza, dubbed Gideon 2 vehicles.

Some army units have been engaged in continuous battles since October 7, 2023, while suffering from a severe shortage of essential heavy equipment, such as bulldozers and military engineering vehicles.

The crisis is exacerbated by restrictions on replacing tank engines due to the German ban on arms exports to Israel.

The Israeli army has escalated its offensive movements over the weekend in Gaza City, preparing for an imminent ground operation, but its preparations remain hindered.

The slow displacement of Palestinians from the city is obstructing the army's plans, as less than 10% of its population has left according to estimates.

The army announced the opening of what it called a "humanitarian zone" in Khan Younis, but the slow pace of evacuation is met with an increase in the frequency of airstrikes.

The operational setbacks are accompanied by rising concerns about the Israeli prisoners held inside Gaza.

Intelligence agencies are aware of the impossibility of preventing harm to the prisoners amid the fighting, citing what happened in Rafah last year.

Concerns prevail within the occupation army after Hamas released a video showing two of the prisoners.

The regular units are facing a deep crisis in morale and discipline, with soldiers complaining of severe fatigue and a lack of leave.

Many brigade leaders are keen to submit optimistic reports that please the General Staff, instead of revealing the real deficiencies.

A severe shortage of heavy engineering equipment and a scarcity of serviceable vehicles make ground operations slower and more dangerous.

The Chief of Staff visits the Gaza Strip to monitor developments, but the gap between what field commanders report and what is actually happening remains wide.

Officers present soldiers' complaints as "suffering from homesickness" instead of seriously addressing their grievances.

Katz ignores the fact that all senior security officials reject the current operation in Gaza, believing that a prisoner deal should be promoted.

The military action in Gaza will not lead to a complete victory or the release of all prisoners, and the most likely scenario is a continuation of a slow attack.