The IDF is preparing to significantly expand the military operation in the Gaza Strip, including a large-scale mobilization of reserve brigades. The decision was made by the government following demands by senior cabinet ministers and due to the lack of progress in hostage deal negotiations. Ministers have been pushing for the government’s immediate approval of an expanded military operation in Gaza, but the decision was delayed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz in order to first exhaust diplomatic efforts for a hostage release deal. An Israeli political source denied a report by Reuters on Monday evening quoting Egyptian officials as saying that there was “significant progress” in the talks currently taking place in Cairo. An Israeli political source said on Monday that Israel had rejected an Egyptian proposal for a five-year ceasefire with Hamas in exchange for the release of all the hostages. Hamas refuses to consider any suggestion of the terror group laying down its arms as a condition for a deal. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)