Two Fronts, One Goal: Israel Targets Hamas in Gaza While Keeping Pressure on Iran

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir announced on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, that the military is shifting its primary focus back to Gaza with clear objectives: secure the release of hostages and dismantle Hamas’s rule.

Speaking amidst a tense regional backdrop, Zamir confirmed that while Gaza now demands attention, Israel’s campaign against Iran remains active, albeit in a different phase.

Gaza Mission: Top Hostages, Remove Hamas Control

“The focus returns to Gaza—to bring the hostages home and topple Hamas rule,” Zamir declared.

He described the campaign against Iran as having reached a pivotal milestone.

Zamir also said that the military is ready to redeploy forces to the Gaza theatre, where thousands have been held captive since the Hamas attack of October 2023.

In private briefings reported by Israeli broadcaster N12, Zamir emphasized a twofold promise: freeing hostages remains a moral imperative, but achieving it will also free up military capacity to confront Iran if needed.

Iran Campaign Not Over—Entering Strategic Phase

Addressing the Iran front, Zamir stressed that the confrontation is far from concluded.

Israel has “set Iran’s nuclear project back by years, and the same goes for its missile program,” he said.

This is a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump following the weekend’s airstrikes.

The bombings were conducted just days before a ceasefire brokered by Trump, which the U.S. leader described as “equally wanted” by Israel and Iran.

Zamir described a “new phase” of the Iran campaign: one building on prior successful strikes but shifting toward strategic targeting.

One also aimed at degrading Iran’s long-term nuclear and missile ambitions rather than continuing widespread bombardment.

Trump’s Ceasefire Role—Controversial and Complex

President Trump, who personally announced last week’s ceasefire, has continued his outspoken style, simultaneously praising the cessation while warning both sides against violations.

Speaking before leaving for a NATO summit, he said the ceasefire was “in effect” and that neither Israel nor Iran should resume hostilities.

Trump also asserted that both nations were equally eager to end the conflict, though this has been called into question by recent missile launches on both sides.

Strategic Doubling: Gaza and Iran in Tandem

Israel is now operating a dual-front strategy:

Gaza becomes the top priority, where military pressure aims to usher in a political transition.

Iran operations continue covertly and by special units, shaping future deterrence rather than pursuing full-scale war.

This repositioning is crucial.

High-ranking officials in Israel argue that eroding Iran’s nuclear capabilities has given Israel a tactical advantage, but that Gaza, with its hostages, remains the near-term focus.

Global Reactions and Diplomatic Tensions

The IDF’s dual-focus strategy is being closely watched.

Washington has offered cautious support, though many European allies are wary that reopening the Gaza front could feed another humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, analysts warn that continuing covert or overt strikes against Iran risks unraveling the ceasefire.

Some military experts caution that any escalation could derail diplomatic momentum and drag Israel deeper into regional entrenchment.

Gaza Context: A Fragile Landscape

Israel’s Gaza operations have already drawn international scrutiny, especially over civilian casualties and humanitarian needs.

Under the January‑March ceasefire, dozens of hostages were exchanged, yet around 50 remain held by Hamas, according to N12.

Zamir’s renewed focus on Gaza signals that Israel may be preparing to resume its campaign following the collapse of interim pauses, heightening concern for civilians in the Strip.

What Comes Next: Eyes on Both Fronts

Zamir painted a clear picture: Gaza is the frontline priority, but war with Iran hasn’t been abandoned—its dynamics have merely shifted.

Next stages to watch:

A renewed ground or aerial offensive in Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas leadership.

Targeted strikes in Iran, focused on preventing nuclear facility recovery or ballistic missile rebuilds.

Political pushback and diplomatic urgency, if Gaza operations escalate, Israel may face renewed pressure from the U.S. and European allies.

Final Takeaway

Israel finds itself navigating dual crises, hostages in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear silhouette, while balancing military firepower and diplomatic constraints.

Chief of Staff Zamir’s statements signal a broader strategy: press ahead in Gaza but keep Iran contained, preserving both leverage and global alliances.

As Israel retools its conflict priorities, international eyes remain fixed on whether this dual-front balance can hold, or break, amid an explosive regional environment.

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