Jerusalem: Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that fully occupying the Gaza Strip would necessitate mobilizing approximately 200,000 reservists, as reported by public broadcaster KAN.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zamir's comments emerged during a lengthy 10-hour Cabinet meeting on Thursday. During the meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a "gradual plan" aimed at seizing full control of Gaza. Despite concerns raised by military officials regarding the safety of hostages and soldiers, the plan received approval early Friday.
KAN, referencing unnamed sources, disclosed that Zamir cautioned that the plan would require extensive logistical resources and humanitarian infrastructure, which the army currently lacks. Zamir was quoted as saying that there is no existing civilian infrastructure or humanitarian capacity to relocate the population, and emphasized the need for establishing hospitals and delivering aid.
Zamir also reportedly suggested removing hostage recovery from the war's official objectives, indicating potential rifts within Israel's leadership. In response to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's opposition to aid deliveries or building hospitals, Zamir commented that he would recommend removing hostage recovery from the war goals.
Israeli media reports that the approved plan involves military advancements into central Gaza and Gaza City areas not yet reached by ground forces. The strategy is set to commence with the forced displacement of civilians to the south, succeeded by the encirclement of Gaza City and deeper incursions into residential zones.
A statement from Netanyahu's office early Friday indicated that the army is preparing to "complete its control over the Gaza Strip." According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 61,200 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's war on Gaza since October 2023. The ongoing campaign has severely impacted the enclave and pushed it to the brink of famine.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.