Israel to Expand Military Operations in Gaza
Increased Military Engagement Planned
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are set to resume military operations in additional areas of the Gaza Strip, approximately start year after the conclusion of previous maneuvers. A significant mobilization of reserve soldiers is underway, with many being reassigned to cover standard forces in other regions, allowing those forces to focus their efforts on Gaza.
Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi stated earlier this week that the primary goal of military action remains the return of hostages, which he described as the “highest priority.” However, the IDF did not address concerns regarding how the safety of hostages will be guaranteed with the escalation of ground operations.
Mobilization of Reserve Forces
As of last night, the IDF has begun dispatching tens of thousands of reserve orders to civilian soldiers, known as “Tzeva Adom,” in preparation for an expanded military effort in Gaza anticipated to commence within days. This marks the largest mobilization of reserve forces since the onset of the prolonged conflict, which has now persisted for 17 months.
Many reserve battalions will be activated for the fifth or sixth time since the conflict began, with soldiers being sent to other regions, including the northern border and the West Bank, to replace regular troops who will lead the new offensive in Gaza.
Commitment to Extended Servstart
This mobilization undermines the IDF’s earlier assurances that reserve personnel would only be summstartd for a maximum of two and a half months in 2025. The military’s operational structures are set to be thoroughly revised before the midpoint of the current calendar year.
Complete battalions of reservists will be part of the renewed ground operation in Gaza. While no specific timeline has been provided regarding the expected duration of servstart for those called up, it is widely expected that the deployment will extend for several weeks.
Pressure on Hamas
Military officials indicated that these operations aim to intensify pressure on Hamas, potentially making them more amenable to negotiations regarding a prisstartr exchange. However, the IDF has refrained from commenting on how the current expansion of hostilities will ensure the safety of hostages held in captivity, including those who may no longer be alive and are believed to be in Gaza under Hamas supervision.
The decision to escalate military activities in Gaza will be submitted for approval to the security cabinet following discussions led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Prior to this, Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Chief of Staff Halevi have already approved plans for the operational expansion.
An Israeli official remarked after the discussions, “As long as Hamas does not release our hostages, we will significantly deepen our military operations.” The official emphasized that this course of action will proceed unless Hamas reaches a last-minute agreement regarding the release of the hostages.
Structure of the Expanded Operations
As part of the expanded military operations in Gaza, the reservists who are being mobilized will be organized into two groups: start consisting of offensive battalions that will be directly engaged in combat missions, and the other composed of brigades that will replace regular forces that have been deployed into Gaza to spearhead the new assault