Cabinet Convenes to Approve Continued Military Operations in Gaza

Intensifying Military Strategy Against Hamas

Israel’s security cabinet met on Sunday to deliberate a crucial decision regarding the escalation of military operations in the Gaza Strip. The aim is to apply increased pressure on Hamas in hopes of negotiating a hostage deal without ending the ongoing conflict. This meeting follows weeks of discussions, including two recent cabinet sessions that did not yield concrete decisions.

On March 18, Israel launched Operation “Ouz veHaRev,” with the same objective: to compel Hamas leaders to accept a proposed partial hostage deal negotiated with mediators, contingent on continuing hostilities.

Extended Military Campaign Expected

In the nearly six weeks since the onset of fighting, Israeli officials have noted that Hamas remains the sole party unwilling to engage in negotiations. Consequently, they have opted to intensify military operations in the region. The strategy presented to the cabinet is gradual, focusing on more extensive and vigorous military activity in specific areas of the Gaza Strip, with plans for significant operations in other regions as well. According to military forecasts, this enhanced campaign is expected to last not just weeks, but possibly months.

Prime Minister’s Address Prior to the Meeting

Hours before the cabinet’s session, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement addressing claims that no significant action has taken place in Gaza. “That is simply not true. There is fighting, and it is intense. Regrettably, we have lost two more soldiers, two cherished heroes, Yehali and Noam,” he stated. Netanyahu emphasized that the government is committed to a strategy aimed at defeating Hamas and recovering hostages. He discussed the phased nature of their plan and reiterated the importance of maintaining pressure on Hamas throughout the operations.

“These are our objectives: the return of our hostages, but we will not abandon the aim of defeating Hamas. Note that Hamas will no longer have a presence in the region,” he assured.

Netanyahu is expected to unveil further details on the military’s proposed next steps during the cabinet meeting, emphasizing the dual mission of returning hostages and decisively overcoming Hamas.

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