The planned expansion is the right course of action
Ministers from Likud and the Religious Zionists once again voiced opposition to what they termed a “partial plan”—one that, in their view, neither ensures Hamas’ defeat nor secures a hostage deal. Nevertheless, the plan was unanimously approved.
Already on Saturday night, the IDF announced that tens of thousands of reserve call-up orders would be sent out. According to the IDF, the dual objectives of the war remain the release of the hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’ regime—two goals that are fundamentally linked. Senior military officials stated that expanding operations is the right move, as the Hamas terror organization continues to pose a threat to the State of Israel. “The deployment of reserve forces will be conducted with discretion and responsibility, based solely on professional and relevant considerations,” emphasized the IDF.
Humanitarian Aid for the Strip
According to a report on Ynet last night, a future framework for distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been approved in principle. This plan will not take immediate effect and, according to the approved outline, will be overseen by an international fund. Its purpose will be to ensure that aid does not reach Hamas operatives. It is important to note that the Cabinet has not yet decided whether to resume humanitarian aid to Gaza residents.
IDF forces operating in the “Tel al-Sultan” neighborhood, southern Gaza Strip. Watch:
“We are increasing the pressure to bring our people home and defeat Hamas”
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir conducted an operational visit yesterday to the Shayetet 13 naval commando base in Atlit. “This week, we are issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders for our reserve forces to amplify and expand our operations in Gaza. We are increasing the pressure to bring our people home and to defeat Hamas,” the Chief of Staff said. He explained that this is a protracted military campaign that will involve action in additional areas and the destruction of all enemy infrastructure—both above and below ground.(Jerusalem Post)
Zamir emphasized the unique contribution of Shayetet 13 to the overall war effort: “You, the naval commandos, are a unique unit that has consistently performed with excellence throughout the war. We will continue to strengthen the naval dimension—special operations at sea and from the sea—as part of the IDF’s strategic capabilities.”
The Chief of Staff concluded his visit with a call for full operational partnership across all IDF divisions—regular forces, career personnel, reserves, the front, and the home front. “This is what we need to successfully fulfill our mission,” he stressed.
