Former Brigadier‑General (res.) Oren Solomon, the ex-combat operations director of the IDF’s Gaza Division, delivered a searing indictment this week of Israel’s approach to the Gaza war. In a series of interviews with Israeli radio and TV outlets, Solomon accused Israel’s leaders of pursuing a fragmented strategy in the Gaza war—focused on minutiae instead of decisively defeating Hamas and securing hostages.

Thinking small while the enemy grows

Solomon defined Israel’s current predicament as “strategic embarrassment.”

“We are at a decision point but with no clear direction,” he asserted, and Hamas and its apologists are exploiting that fact.

Rather than choosing decisive action—either the full defeat of Hamas or a bold comprehensive hostage deal—the conflict has devolved into a war of attrition where time benefits the enemy.

Gaza “nature reserves”: Hostage no-go zones

According to Solomon, whole sectors of Gaza have become what he terms “Hamas nature reserves,” areas avoided by IDF operations due to hostage risk. He estimated that up to half a million civilians have returned to Gaza City, which he described as off-limits:

“We created no-go zones in central refugee camps and Gaza City because hostages are there… we need professional, ethical debate and balance to reach better results.”

He noted that in central Gaza there is an entire Hamas brigade, well fed and armed, that is not being attacked by the IDF due to the presence of hostages. If the war ends with that brigade and others intact, Gaza will remain under Hamas rule.

IDF troops operate in Gaza. But there are areas they aren’t allowed to enter due to the presence of hostages. And that’s precisely where Hamas is recovering its strength. Photo: IDF Spokesman

Stop apologizing in the face of Hamas lies

Turning to the humanitarian dimension, Solomon dismissed narratives of mass starvation as deliberate propaganda orchestrated by Hamas:

“Hamas received humanitarian aid—mostly food—even on a scale never seen in the history of modern warfare… then seized supply convoys, filled warehouses, and distributed selectively to cronies. If people are starving, it’s because Hamas starves them.”

He emphasized that, at home and abroad, instead of exposing this manipulation, Israel often “apologizes” in public statements—damaging its messaging.

“We lose the narrative because we adopt an apologetic rather than offensive posture.”

The “micro-tactics” trap: Debating distance, numbers, not purpose

Solomon reiterated his long-standing criticism of the management of the Gaza war—and built on it:

“We debate 800 versus 1,200 meter buffer zones, and whether to free 1,000 or 1,200 prisoners. These are distractions. The main goal—neutralizing the threat, ensuring Israel’s security—is being forgotten. The political and military leadership discuss the how and how many—while the why disappears.”

He warned that the current incremental negotiation strategy plays into Hamas’s hands.

One-time deal requires real pressure

Solomon called for halting the gradual negotiation process and instead demanding a single, comprehensive hostage deal: “Stop the negotiations as they are. Bring all hostages back in one deal.”

He explained that the only real way to do that is “a concerted military operation aimed at the decisive defeat of Hamas—raising existential pressure—this will force them to capitulate.”

Solomon cautioned that Israel’s failure to apply such pressure risks future demands—including withdrawal to October 6 lines, foreign commitments to rebuild Gaza while still under Hamas rule, and a renewed ability for Hamas to rearm.

Integrated strategy is imperative

Solomon reiterated assessments he offered earlier this year, stating that “there must be an immediate shift in mindset. Israel needs a full-spectrum strategy—militarily and in foreign policy—targeted at Hamas. Otherwise, we risk permanent strategic failure.”

Since the start of the war, Solomon has been openly critical of what he calls the short-sightedness of Israel’s political and military leadership in pursuing moment-specific tactics, rather than a well-defined, overarching strategy of victory.

Interview with Brigadier General (Res.) Oren Solomon:

Solomon fought alongside his son against Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival. Later in the war, he was appointed to lead the investigation into his division’s conduct on October 7.

In the interview, Solomon delivers… pic.twitter.com/SvRtxVqXXK

— The Zion Report ✡︎ (@checkline7) May 24, 2025

Background

Solomon is a member of the hawkish Israel Defense & Security Forum (known in Hebrew as HaBitchonistim). He was involved in the Gaza Division’s probe into failures that facilitated the Oct. 7, 2023 invasion by Hamas. Solomon was dismissed from active reserve duty shortly after his probe concluded that there had been severe operational failures in the upper echelons of Israel’s military leadership.

The IDF later insisted the Solomon’s findings had nothing to do with his dismissal, and that he was removed from active duty due to “severe operational security violations.”

In a personal letter to Channel 12 News dated March 10, Solomon accused senior IDF commanders of trying to cover up serious errors committed on Oct. 7, 2023 and during the subsequent war in Gaza.

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