Israel Weighs Ground Invasion Plan to Encircle and Occupy Gaza
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz to review a plan involving 80,000 ground troops for a full-scale occupation of Gaza City.
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:
- 01Establishing camps in southern Gaza equipped with tents, food, water, and clinics.
- 02Forcing residents of Gaza City to evacuate over at least two weeks.
- 03A 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.