Israel is considering its largest military operation in Gaza since October 2023: a full encirclement and occupation of Gaza City with nearly 80,000 ground troops. According to Israeli media, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz will formally examine the proposal this week.

Multi-Phase Operation

The plan envisions a step-by-step operation:

• Establishing camps in southern Gaza equipped with tents, food, water, and clinics.
• Forcing residents of Gaza City to evacuate over at least two weeks.
• A slow, methodical ground advance, encircling Gaza City before moving inward.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that the U.S. requested the civilian evacuation plan, underscoring Washington’s concerns over humanitarian fallout.

Risks and Concerns

Military sources acknowledged the plan entails heavy risks, including high casualties among Israeli soldiers and danger to hostages still believed to be in Gaza. Senior officers estimate that Hamas would suffer major losses, but warned of severe urban combat.

Meanwhile, massive protests erupted across Israeli cities demanding an end to the war and the return of captives, which government officials dismissed as “a grave mistake” serving Palestinian resistance.