Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved on Tuesday tmilitary plans to launch an offensive aimed at taking control of Gaza City, Israeli media reported. The operation, named "Gideon’s Chariots B," includes the mobilization of an additional 60,000 reservists in the coming days.
According to security sources cited by the Times of Israel, mobilization orders will begin to be sent out starting Wednesday. The reservists concerned will have at least two weeks before they are required to join their units. In total, if the offensive goes ahead, up to 130,000 reservists could be engaged alongside already deployed forces. Some of these troops are expected to be assigned to other fronts to replace regular forces.
An continuation of "Gideon’s Chariots"
The announced operation is a continuation of "Gideon’s Chariots," which, according to Israel, allowed control of about 75% of the Gaza Strip.
The new plan was presented to Israel Katz by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and senior military officials. The minister emphasized that the decision fits within the government’s strategy: freeing all remaining hostages, militarily dismantling Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, securing a buffer zone to protect neighboring Israeli communities, and maintaining freedom of military action within the territory, according to Ynet.
At the same time, the Defense Ministry approved the expected evacuation of around one million residents of Gaza City to the southern part of the enclave.
The Israeli army is expected to soon issue evacuation warnings to residents, who will have until October 7, 2025 – the second anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel – to leave Gaza City before the ground assault begins. The stated goal is to “isolate Hamas fighters before eliminating them.”
An uncertain diplomatic context
The announcement comes amid contradictory diplomatic signals. On Monday, Hamas said it had accepted a proposal for a truce. However, as The Times of Israel noted, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared unconvinced, insisting on the simultaneous release of all hostages rather than a phased deal.
According to Israeli officials cited by Israeli media, around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 confirmed dead. Roughly 20 are believed to be alive, with serious concerns for two more. Hamas is also holding the body of an Israeli soldier killed in 2014.
Comments