Israel Plans New Gaza Military Operation in March as Iran Faces Mounting Pressure

On January 10, 2026, multiple U.S. and Israeli media outlets reported that Israel is formulating plans for a new intensive military operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, scheduled for March 2026. This move is seen as an effort to pressure the United States, deter Hamas, and gain political leverage for Israel's upcoming domestic elections, anticipated in October 2026. The plan casts further doubt on the fragile ceasefire that took effect in October 2025 and threatens to derail the second phase of negotiations focused on prisoner exchanges, Israeli troop withdrawal, and establishing a transitional government in Gaza.

Concurrently, Iran is grappling with internal unrest following large-scale protests over economic hardship and currency depreciation, prompting Supreme Leader Khamenei to call for national unity in a televised address on January 9. Analysts suggest that Iran, while dealing with internal pressures exacerbated by Western sanctions, also faces heightened risks of external intervention and potential direct conflict with Israel, significantly complicating the regional landscape, which is expected to remain confrontational in 2026.