Israel’s decision to mobilize an additional 60,000 reservists underscores preparations for a sweeping ground operation in Gaza, one that officials admit could extend well beyond the battlefield. The military plan—framed as both a campaign to capture Gaza City and a broader bid to weaken Hamas—follows a phased strategy that critics say resembles an open-ended occupation rather than a limited military strike.

The Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee narrowly approved Katz’s request to extend emergency mobilization until September 4, by a margin of 8 to 7 votes. Officials warned of possible lower turnout due to reservist fatigue, as many have already served months in combat.

The Gaza Occupation Plan: “Gideon Chariots II”

Israeli outlets reported that Defense Minister Yoav Katz approved the occupation blueprint, codenamed “Gideon Chariots II.” The plan unfolds in several phases:

• Encirclement and Seizure: Three to four IDF divisions will move to surround and storm Gaza City. Commanders predict control within two months, though sustained clearing operations will follow.
• Civilian Evacuation: Israel is preparing “evacuation corridors” toward the al-Mawasi area, alongside new field hospitals and aid centers. Yet officials concede many Palestinians will resist leaving, raising fears of urban warfare amid civilians.
• Extended Occupation: After initial seizure, reservists will remain for an indefinite period to dismantle Hamas infrastructure, capture or kill fighters, and maintain control over cleared areas. Critics warn this amounts to an open-ended ground presence with no political horizon.

Official Aim: Breaking Hamas, Freeing Hostages

Military sources describe the campaign’s objectives as dismantling Hamas’s military capacity, regaining leverage in hostage negotiations, and deterring future attacks. Some Israeli officials admit the deeper aim is to reshape Gaza’s governance by weakening Hamas to the point of collapse and preparing space for a new authority.

Yet this goal remains politically undefined: Israel has not presented a credible post-war governance plan, while Egypt has rejected proposals for Arab or international forces, preferring a Palestinian Authority-led administration.

The escalation comes as Egypt, Qatar, and other mediators push for a ceasefire and hostage deal, including a 60-day truce and phased Israeli withdrawal. However, Israel’s new mobilization underscores its readiness to expand ground operations should negotiations stall.

Domestic Critics: An Open-Ended, Risky Occupation

The IDF has launched 60,000 new reservist call-ups, raising the number of reservists in service to 130,000 for a full-scale Gaza City operation. The decision has triggered domestic critics:

Reservist Fatigue: With 130,000 reservists mobilized, Israeli society faces mounting strain. Many families and businesses are reeling from the prolonged call-ups, and turnout is expected to decline.

Humanitarian Costs: The planned evacuations and prolonged presence inside Gaza risk deepening the humanitarian crisis. Aid groups warn of mass displacement and civilian casualties, especially if evacuations fail to materialize.

Strategic Uncertainty: Analysts argue Israel risks becoming trapped in Gaza, repeating mistakes of past occupations. Without a political framework, the operation could evolve into a long-term quagmire with no clear exit strategy.

By approving the mobilization of 130,000 reservists and green-lighting a phased occupation plan, Israel is betting on force of arms to break Hamas’s grip on Gaza. Yet with no clear post-war roadmap and mounting warnings of humanitarian catastrophe, critics argue the operation risks trading short-term tactical gains for a long-term strategic quagmire—leaving Gaza’s future as uncertain as ever.