256: Chapter 256 Anvil and Hammer

"Gentlemen," Lavitz's voice was hoarse but carried an unquestionable firmness, "International public opinion is condemning us, our allies are wavering, and even Washington is hinting that we should 'stop while we're ahead.' But I want to tell you, and tell the whole world—"

He turned abruptly, his finger stabbing heavily at the location of Gaza on the sand table.

"This war must be ended by our own hands! Ended with victory!"

"Ten days ago, we were still talking about pacification within a week. Five days ago, we lost an F-35. Yesterday, the 'Eilat' at Hodeidah became scrap metal." Lavitz sneered, "But those were technical errors, intelligence lapses, and local setbacks. Now, we are going to show everyone what the true strength of the Squid Nation Defense Forces is!"

He tapped on the table, and the screen behind him lit up, displaying a detailed operational plan.

"Codename: 'Anvil and Hammer'."

"Force strength: Five elite brigades!" Lavitz's voice suddenly rose, "The 7th Armored Brigade, the 401st Armored Brigade, the Givati Infantry Brigade, the Golani Infantry Brigade, and the rebuilt 35th Paratrooper Brigade! A total force of over 15,000 personnel, equipped with over 200 tanks, 300 armored vehicles, and 150 artillery pieces! The Air Force will provide 24-hour uninterrupted support, including the newly transferred F-35I 'Lightning' squadron!"

This was almost one-third of the Squid Nation Army's standing force, and the largest, best-equipped ground assault force assembled since the Gaza war.

"Operational objective:" Lavitz's gaze swept across everyone, "Within 72 hours, completely clear the Gaza Strip of all organized resistance! Occupy every inch of land, control every tunnel, and eliminate or capture every militant! We will use steel and fire to turn Gaza into scorched earth that can never again breed resistance!"

Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Abraham stood up and began to detail the operational sequence.

"Three attack arrows."

"The northern route, composed of the 7th Armored Brigade and the Givati Infantry Brigade, with a force of about 5,000, will move south along the coastline, targeting the northern industrial zone and refugee camp areas of Gaza City. This is a traditional stronghold of the Resistance Organization, and we expect the fiercest resistance."

"The central route, composed of the 401st Armored Brigade and the Golani Infantry Brigade, with a force of about 6,000, will advance along the central main road, thrusting directly into the core area of Gaza City—the Old City and the central market. This area has the densest tunnel network and is the core area of Sinwar's command system."

"The southern route, composed of the 35th Paratrooper Brigade and attached armored detachments, with a force of about 4,000, will move north from the southern border, targeting the southern residential areas of Gaza and the smuggling tunnel zone leading to Egypt. The mission is to outflank from the rear while the northern and central routes pin down the main force, cutting off any possible retreat routes for the Resistance Organization."

"Tactical principles: Advance steadily and strike sure blows, building fortified positions step by step. As soon as a block is occupied, establish a consolidated stronghold immediately. Engineer units will follow in sync, using explosives and heavy machinery to destroy tunnel entrances. The Air Force and artillery will provide real-time 'house demolition' support—for any building suspected of harboring militants, destroy it directly without warning!"

Lavitz took over, "Intelligence shows that the Resistance Organization has received a large amount of external aid over the past week, including anti-tank missiles, drones, and night-vision equipment. But they are still just a group of guerrillas holding advanced weapons; in the face of our absolute superiority in numbers, firepower, and systems, any resistance they offer will be futile."

He paused, his voice becoming even colder.

"We allow 'collateral damage' during the operation. The safety of our soldiers is paramount. Any suspicious target can be fired upon first. Any personnel who do not surrender immediately can be treated as combatants."

"This time, there are no red lines, no restrictions. We will use the most thorough method to end this nightmare that has lasted too long."

"Operation start time: 4:00 AM sharp tomorrow."

"May God bless the Squid Nation, and bless our soldiers."

After the meeting, Lavitz kept Mossad Director Cohen behind alone.

"Have you found him?" Lavitz asked in a low voice.

Cohen shook his head, "Sinwar is too cunning. He has at least five suspected command nodes, all more than fifteen meters underground. The intercepted communication signals have undergone multiple hops and encryption, making precise location difficult. The Air Force's hyperspectral reconnaissance has also been severely interfered with—they seem to have a new type of camouflage coating and heat-shielding technology."

Lavitz waved his hand irritably, "It doesn't matter. Once our five brigades roll over, it's only a matter of time before we dig him out of whatever rat hole he's in. I want results—I want to see him alive or see his corpse!"

"Understood."

"Also," Lavitz stared at Cohen, "those videos... 'gaza diary', as well as the footage of the F-35 being shot down and the 'Eilat' being damaged... there must be one person supporting it all from behind the scenes. Zhang Cheng, that madman in Myanmar. Does he think he's playing a great power game?"

Cohen said cautiously, "Our analysis suggests that what Zhang Cheng provides is likely technical and equipment support, rather than direct command. But Sinwar's tactical literacy and organizational ability indeed exceed the scope of an ordinary guerrilla leader; he has likely received systematic military education, or even..."

"Even what?"

"Even possibly a professional officer 'manufactured' by Zhang Cheng through some means." Cohen stated this conjecture, which he himself felt was absurd, "But this is just speculation, there is no evidence."

Lavitz sneered, "No matter who he is, after tomorrow, he will become a corpse or a prisoner kneeling in court. Notify all units: if Sinwar is captured, I want to know immediately. I want to interrogate him personally."

At the same time, twenty meters underground in Gaza, at the "Rock" core command post.

The air here carried a damp, earthy smell and a faint scent of diesel. The massive cavern was reinforced with steel bars and concrete, and dozens of LED lights hung from the ceiling, illuminating the interior as if it were daylight. The walls were covered with screens displaying satellite imagery, drone footage, electronic maps, and various data streams.

Sinwar stood before the central main screen, which was divided into a dozen small windows, each displaying the assembly points, marching routes, and radio communication density of the Squid Nation military, as well as environmental information such as weather and tides.

Behind him, more than twenty Death Soldiers commanders and leaders of various local Resistance Organizations stood quietly.

"Have you all seen it?" Sinwar's voice was calm, even a bit weary, "Five brigades, 15,000 men, 200 tanks, 300 armored vehicles. Lavitz has brought out everything he had in reserve."