At a high-level security meeting led by Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu on Friday evening, Israeli leadership evaluated plans to intensify IDF activity in the Gaza Strip.
Military commanders laid out a strategy before the political leadership that includes significantly ramping up pressure on Hamas. The approach would mirror the IDF’s recent operations in Rafah, focusing on capturing territory, dividing sections of Gaza, rooting out terrorist infrastructure both above and underground, and retaining control over these areas. The goal is to force Hamas to become more flexible in hostage release negotiations.
To support this escalation, the IDF plans to call up additional reservists. According to Ynet, the reservists will be split into two operational groups: combat battalions that will penetrate deeper into Gaza with offensive assignments, and reserve brigades that will take over from the regular forces currently operating in the Strip as part of the renewed push.
Final approval of the plan is expected to take place during a meeting of the Security Cabinet on Sunday. The operation is not intended to be a massive ground offensive or full reoccupation of Gaza but is considered a tactical escalation designed to retain strategic leverage.
An Israeli official addressed the emerging reports, clarifying, “At the conclusion of the discussion at Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence this evening, no decision has yet been made regarding the expansion of combat in the Gaza Strip. Security officials presented the political echelon with various options, but no final decision has been reached. The Cabinet will convene on Sunday to discuss and make decisions on the matter.”
{Matzav.com}