The Israeli military plans to continue full-scale operations in Gaza for at least another six weeks before escalating the conflict, an Israeli official told Reuters.
Four Israeli military officials told the media that Israel would adopt a strategy of reducing airstrikes and focusing on targeted operations. The next six to eight weeks are likely to coincide with Israel’s operation against Hamas in Rafah, which is scheduled to begin soon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing intense international pressure to halt the invasion of Rafah, a border town in Gaza that borders Egypt. Even the United States has warned that it will not support the operation in Rafah unless Israel presents a clear plan to minimize civilian casualties.
Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official, told Reuters: “Rafah is the last stronghold of Hamas control, and Israel has a battalion remaining in Rafah that must be dismantled to achieve its objectives in this war. ” he said.
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Israeli officials told Reuters that the Israeli military plans to continue full-scale military operations in Gaza for at least another six weeks before escalating the conflict. (Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images)
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the Israel Defense Forces planned to take “extraordinary measures” to prevent loss of civilian life. He also insisted that the operation in Rafah was necessary to destroy Hamas.
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“There were 24 regional battalions in Gaza, and we have dismantled 18 of them,” he told a media briefing. “Rafah is now Hamas’ next center of gravity.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the IDF plans to take “extraordinary measures” to prevent loss of civilian life. He also insisted that the operation in Rafah was necessary to destroy Hamas. (Elad Malka (IMoD)/Anadolu, via Getty Images)
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President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have emphasized efforts to protect civilians in recent weeks. Mr. Blinken has spoken directly with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Mr. Biden has called Netanyahu twice in the last week alone.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that the war in Gaza will continue to some extent until Hamas is destroyed.
Reuters contributed to this report.
