Following a lengthy deliberation that lasted seven hours, Israel’s Security Cabinet gave its unanimous consent in the early hours of Monday to intensify the military campaign in Gaza.
The primary focus of the discussion was on new strategic initiatives intended to ramp up military pressure on Hamas. These plans include a significant ground incursion into sections of Gaza, where Israeli forces may remain on the ground for a prolonged duration.
Another key item approved during the session was a new approach to distributing humanitarian aid to Gaza. This measure passed despite objections from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Under this plan, future aid will be funneled through an international fund designed to ensure that none of it reaches Hamas.
In advance of this next phase of the operation, Israel plans to activate a considerable number of reservists. These troops will be deployed in two roles: some battalions will participate directly in the conflict, while others will take over duties from active-duty soldiers being sent into Gaza.
According to a high-ranking Israeli official cited by the Walla news site, the execution of the military plan is unlikely to begin until after President Trump’s expected visit to the region, which is scheduled to take place in about ten days. “Until then, reservists will be mobilized and trained for the expansion of the operation,” the official said.
The same official also mentioned that the Cabinet chose to prioritize efforts to secure a hostage release agreement before President Trump’s arrival. “The effort will be to bring Hamas back to the framework proposed by Egypt and to the plan of White House envoy Witkoff, under which several hostages would be released in exchange for renewing the ceasefire,” said the official.
Monday’s Cabinet session served to formalize agreements that had been discussed during a Friday meeting at the Kirya military base. That prior gathering included Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and other top military leaders.
Following that meeting, an Israeli official stated, “As long as Hamas does not release our hostages, we will significantly deepen our military operations.”
He further emphasized, “This is what will happen unless Hamas agrees at the last moment to a deal and releases the hostages.”
{Matzav.com Israel}