After a seven-hour meeting, Israel’s Security Cabinet unanimously approved the IDF’s plans to escalate military operations in the Gaza Strip.
YONI BEN MENACHEM -- The decision includes a gradual expansion of ground maneuvering to increase pressure on Hamas, with forces expected to take over more territory, open new routes, and maintain a permanent presence. The IDF currently controls about 30% of the Strip.
The Cabinet also gave initial approval to a humanitarian aid distribution plan, to be implemented by an international foundation and secured by the IDF. Though no timeline was set, the goal is to ensure aid reaches civilians and not Hamas. Officials admit it’s unlikely Hamas can be entirely prevented from seizing some of the aid, and the situation will be closely monitored as the plan unfolds.
The IDF will also expand reserve call-ups to support the intensified campaign. Prime Minister Netanyahu had already signed off on the plans last Friday, following approval from Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. Notably, Shin Bet director Ronen Bar did not attend the meeting; his deputy represented the agency.
Senior military sources say Hamas has heavily fortified for the next phase of the war: rebuilding tunnels, recruiting thousands of new fighters, and rigging roads, tunnel shafts, and abandoned buildings with large explosives. Thousands of Hamas fighters are reportedly hiding underground, preparing for guerrilla warfare, especially using anti-tank ambushes and roadside bombs.
Officials say the army must proceed cautiously and with precise intelligence. Airstrikes will intensify against any suspected activity. The IDF’s campaign is expected to ramp up further after U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE mid-month, which could shape broader regional dynamics.
Photo: Reuters
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Yoni Ben Menachem, A NEWSRAEL Contributor, is a Middle East senior analyst ,a journalist and the former CEO of the Israel Broadcasting Authority(IBA). He has decades of experience in written and video journalism. Ben Menachem’s path in the media world began as a producer for Japanese television in the Middle East. After that, he held many key positions in the media: The CEO of the Israel Broadcasting Authority, director of “Kol Israel” Radio, reporter on West Bank and Gaza Strip affairs, political reporter and commentator, commentator on Middle East affairs and editor-in-chief and presenter of the program “Middle East Magazine”.