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Israel Prepares for Long-Term Conflict in Gaza
(Wall Street Journal) Carrie Keller-Lynn - Israel began preparations for prolonged fighting in Gaza, reshuffling forces as it weighs how to sustain lower-intensity fighting over the long term. Destroying Hamas' military capabilities is expected to take at least several more months. The military has recalibrated the types of troops required, now relying more heavily on commando and combat engineering forces, as Israel tries to penetrate subterranean tunnel infrastructure and hunt down senior Hamas leadership. While some Western analysts have questioned whether Israel can succeed in its goal of eradicating Hamas, the new military plans reflect Israel's determination to pursue that goal. Swapping out forces who have been serving for long periods in Gaza is important to refresh weary troops ahead of a planned long campaign. "Once you stop advancing and you take over...to stay there with so many soldiers is what guerrilla forces want you to do," said Ofer Shelah, a military analyst with Tel Aviv University's Institute for National Security Studies.