If implemented, the move—officially titled ‘Gideon Chariots’—is expected to be a significant advancement of Israel’s operations in Gaza, that is also likely to earn them stronger international backlash.
“The plan will include, among other things, the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories, moving the Gaza population south for their protection,” the official statement said.
Just two days after Israeli news outlets reported reservists being mobilised in the thousands—as a part of this escalation—Israeli Cabinet ministers approved the plan in a voting process conducted early this morning.
The new plan, which Israeli officials have touted as a means to defeat Gaza and free hostages held there, also calls for thousands of Palestinians in the region to be displaced to southern Gaza, thereby worsening the humanitarian crisis in the entire region.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, the new plan was to be implemented gradually: over a period of a few months, with forces taking on Gaza in an area-by-area basis. According to a Reuters report, such a plan could potentially lead to a ceasefire and hostage negotiations, ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump to Gaza next week, Cabinet security minister Zeev Elkin said.
“There is still a window of opportunity until President Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East, if Hamas understands we are serious,” Elkin told Kan on Monday.
“If there is no hostage deal, Operation ‘Gideon Chariots’ will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved,” a senior Israeli defence official said.