“After reviewing developments in Gaza over the last 48 hours, defence analyst Lt Col Stuart Crawford says:
- ‘Everyone is awaiting the IDF assault into Gaza which is expected imminently.
- Israel has massed tanks and troops on the border and has said it will attack by land, air and sea. I think that’s exactly what they will do.
- I believe the IDF has enough in place to go now.
- They are not going to commit their total strength all at once. Apart from anything else, there’s no room.
- The Gaza Strip is only 25km by 7km approximately, roughly the same size as the Isle of Wight. Their troops won’t all fit in.
- So, they’ll echelon it, and formations will follow one another and take over at the front at the appropriate moment.
- They’re probably good to go with what they have already in hand, and the reserves can be committed later.
- From a military man’s perspective I’d want to get on with it as soon as possible.
- The old military adage of “get there fastest with the mostest” is still as relevant today as it was when those words were first uttered in the American Civil War of 1861-65.
- So it could be as early as tonight in my opinion.
- I’ll be up early tomorrow and, on the case, if that’s what happens.’
Contact Lt Col Crawford directly on stuart@defencereview.co.uk to arrange expert comment.
Lt Col Stuart Crawford is a defence analyst and former army officer. Sign up for his podcasts and newsletters at www.DefenceReview.uk
Lt Col Stuart Crawford’s latest book Tank Commander (Hardback) is available now
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