The final approval was given during a security consultation that took place yesterday. Participants in the consultation included: Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, Minister Dermer, Chief of Staff Zamir, the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, the head of Military Intelligence, and other senior officials.
The Operation Was Presented Over the Weekend, But the Timing Was Kept Secret
According to sources familiar with the details of the consultation, the framework for renewing the attack was formulated over the weekend during a meeting of the small cabinet, but the ministers were not updated on the exact timing for the commencement of the operation.
The difficulties in the negotiations for the release of hostages, which were renewed this week in Cairo, were a decisive factor in the decision to renew the attack specifically last night.
IDF Prepares to Expand Operations
At this stage, the IDF is focused on an airstrike against terror targets in the Gaza Strip. Israel emphasizes that the strikes will increase, and if no significant change occurs in the negotiations for the release of the hostages, further actions will come into effect soon.
It should be recalled that during the night, Israel launched a massive airstrike against Hamas, targeting strategic sites of the organization, including mid-level commanders, senior figures in the political wing, and critical terrorist infrastructure. According to Palestinian reports, several senior members of the Hamas terrorist organization were killed.
