Israel Mobilizes Reserves, Prepares for Gaza City Offensive Amid Internal Debate
Gaza City – Approximately 40,000 reserve soldiers are being deployed today as Israel prepares for a large-scale offensive targeting Gaza City, according to an army statement. The move follows security cabinet approval last month of an expanded campaign aimed at controlling the city, a key stronghold of hamas. Israel currently controls roughly 75 percent of the Gaza Strip.
The impending operation is occurring against a backdrop of internal disagreement within the Israeli government. A late Sunday security cabinet meeting revealed a sharp divide between Prime Minister benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers advocating for an immediate attack on Gaza City, and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who is urging a negotiated ceasefire. Zamir reportedly warned that a full-scale assault would endanger hostages held by Hamas and further strain Israel’s military resources.
Sources present at the meeting indicated Zamir expressed concerns that the campaign would expose hostages to increased danger. This echoes a similar dispute between Zamir and Netanyahu’s government last month, where the army cautioned against launching the offensive due to the risk to hostages and operational readiness, suggesting a delay of at least two months. Despite these warnings, Netanyahu stated on August 20th that he had ordered the acceleration of plans to control Gaza City.
