The Israel Defense Forces will present its military plan to capture Gaza City to the defense minister on Tuesday. The army intends to rely primarily on conscripted forces for the operation but will require the mobilization of 100,000 to 130,000 reservists to replace those troops in other sectors.
The operation is currently defined as an encirclement and takeover of Gaza City, utilizing three to four divisions. Estimates suggest that once the operation begins, control over the area could be achieved within approximately two months. However, reserve forces will need to remain for an extended period to secure the area and clear it of terrorists and weapons.
According to assessments, the operation could commence in early September, a few weeks from now, pending approval from the political echelon. The political leadership will need to decide on the timeline and approve one of the options presented this week – Tuesday to the defense minister and Thursday to the cabinet. Reserve mobilization orders will be issued based on the political echelon's directives.
Meanwhile, the IDF is intensifying its operations on the outskirts of Gaza City in preparation for the maneuver. Activity has increased in the Zeitoun neighborhood, as well as in Sabra and Jabaliya.
Earlier, Hamas and Palestinian factions in Gaza announced their approval of a ceasefire proposal presented by mediators Qatar and Egypt. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed this for the first time on Monday evening, stating, "Hamas is under atomic pressure." A source familiar with the details noted that Hamas' response significantly narrows the gaps between the parties.
"Israel's position remains unchanged – the release of all hostages and adherence to the conditions set for ending the war," a political source said.
Amid this, following a post on X by United States President Donald Trump threatening Hamas with destruction if it does not accept the deal, Defense Minister Israel Katz participated in a senior IDF command conference in the Gaza division alongside Netanyahu, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, and senior IDF command.
