Meanwhile, Israel’s army chief approved the deployment plans for the expansion of the war decided by Netanyahu’s security cabinet. General chief of staff Ejal Zamir “approved the main framework for the operating plan of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip,” said the army. According to Netanyahu, in addition to taking the city of Gaza, the plan also provides for the destruction of Hamas in the central refugee camps. So far there is no specific schedule for the expansion of the war.
According to media reports, army chief Zamir had warned of major risks of the plan. He endangers soldiers and the hostages that are suspected in the city of Gaza. In addition, he is said to have pointed out the exhaustion of the troops and a lack of staff. Israeli media reported great tensions between Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Netanyahu repeatedly said that military pressure was necessary to free the remaining hostages. His critics argue that he extends the war to appease his right -wing extremists in the coalition like Finance Minister Smotrich – a reproach that Netanyahu rejects. In order to be able to survive politically, the head of government is dependent on the support of his right -wing extremists.
In the end, army chief Zamir approved the guidelines of the political leadership, but, according to the army, emphasized the importance of “increasing the commitment of the troops” at the same time at a meeting and “to give them time to reorganize and recover”. Preparations for the convening of further reservists would also have to be made. The general staff, representative of the domestic secret service Schin Bet and other commanders took part in the meeting.
Meanwhile, dying continues in the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian information, there were several air raids in the Israeli army the day before, including in the northern city of Gaza. Several buildings were shot at. Residents there are concerned that it could be preparations for a ground offensive of Israel.
Seven people were killed at a distribution center for relief supplies in an attack northwest, it said from medical circles. Seven other people, including five children, died in an air raid on their tent in the city. According to the Wafa agency, five people were killed in another incident, while south of Wadi Gaza were waiting for relief supplies in the central section of the coastal strip.
