The shift in operations by the IDF is becoming more and more obvious. Not only have many reservists been pulled out to be released from combat duty, but the pace of operations has become much slower in parts of Gaza.
The search for hostages and for Hamas leaders continues in the southern sector. There are still parts of that sector that are under Hamas control and occupation. Even there, the IDF tends to make planned incursions with the objective of taking over sections of the tunnel complex and capturing weapons, munitions, military equipment and intelligence items (and killing terrorists) before destroying the tunnel. Each patrol is meticulously planned and the troops briefed fully in order to limit Israeli casualties. Every operation involves a cooperative effort by all branches; infantry, armor, artillery, intelligence, and the air force. A similar template is used for raids on Palestinian Authority towns located in Judea and Samaria.
Operations on the border with Lebanon are similar, but do not involve maneuver by ground forces. The air force delivers ordnance on selected targets and other branches may engage Hezbollah terrorists if they are found near the border or are involved in firing into Israel.
.It seems that there are many other countries interested in IDF training and doctrine. There are several reasons. One of them is the very low casualty rate for Israeli troops compared to what their opponents suffer. Another is the amazingly low rate of “collateral damage” (civilian casualties) when compared to other wars and fighting in similar urban built up areas. Despite its relatively small size, the IDF ranks among the best military forces on the planet.
Wetherhorn 