With Donald Trump back in office, analysts suggest Israel faces fewer restrictions in its conflict with Hamas, influencing its military tactics and the war’s possible conclusion.

A former high-ranking Israeli official stated, “Netanyahu can continue this war for another year. If Trump tells him in two weeks to seek a deal, he would.” The source also mentioned a new strategy: dividing Gaza into controlled zones with the Israeli military overseeing food and civilian movement to put pressure on Hamas.

John Spencer of West Point’s Modern War Institute said the Trump administration made it clear that it would provide Israel with everything it needs to legally wage war against Hamas with fewer restrictions than the Biden administration, especially if American citizens are involved.

Spencer explained that the U.S. is now more willing to encourage countries to allow Gazans to temporarily leave combat areas, marking a change in approach under Trump.

The renewed fighting in Gaza followed the breakdown of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israel blamed Hamas’ failure to release all hostages as agreed upon, while Hamas claimed Israel didn’t meet its ceasefire obligations.

Jonathan Conricus of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies emphasized the significance of potential U.S. influence: “I think that this time around, Egypt will be forced by the U.S. to open up the gate and allow Palestinians to flee the battlefield… and that is what Egypt must do.” He criticized Egypt’s restrictions on Palestinian movement, stating that their policies have worsened civilian suffering.

Conricus, a former IDF spokesman, said that Israel will be able to use all available weapons to decisively defeat Hamas.

In a video address, Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked President Trump for his strong support, stating that the alliance between the U.S. and Israel has never been stronger.

On the battlefield, Israel seems to have broadened its targets beyond Hamas’ military infrastructure to include its governing bodies.

Assaf Orion of the Washington Institute and INSS noted that the recent strikes include targets related to the governmental functions of Hamas. However, he raised questions about the aftermath of dismantling Hamas’ governance structure.

The hostage situation remains a key issue. While the Israeli government maintains that military action is needed to pressure Hamas to release the hostages, concerns about their safety have led to protests in Israel. Conricus stated that the risk to hostages has increased and that Hamas may execute some in retaliation for Israel’s renewed offensive, but Israel had no choice but to resume military operations after two weeks of no hostage releases.

Orion acknowledged the tension between securing the release of hostages through a deal and eradicating Hamas through military action. He emphasized the irreversible nature of hostage deaths and the long-term nature of defeating Hamas.

Whether Hamas can be completely defeated remains uncertain. Spencer believes it is possible, stating that Hamas is weaker than ever. However, he stressed the importance of Israel holding the territory it clears to prevent Hamas from regrouping.

The outcome of Israel’s renewed campaign will depend on both military strategy and Trump’s political stance. As the former Israeli official pointed out, Netanyahu is likely to follow suit if Trump pushes for negotiations. Until then, Israel appears prepared to continue its most extensive military operation to date.