jordan pulse -

After Israeli government approval of full occupation plan for Gaza Strip, military officials revealed army may need at least another week to assess number of forces required for Gaza City assault.

Officials stated it could take at least another week to finalize outline of plans for the new offensive, according to Times of Israel. Once outline is ready, army will determine number of troops needed and duration of deployment.

Reserve forces will be called up regardless — either for the assault, for replacing permanent forces on other fronts, or both. Since Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, Israel has mobilized about 287,000 reservists at peak.

Phased Approach?

Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that military plans for Gaza City occupation remain unclear, including entry routes and whether operation will occur in one push or in phases. Army reportedly intends to deploy all regular forces into Gaza, leaving other fronts to reservists.

On Friday, Israeli security cabinet approved plan beginning with occupation of Gaza City (north), pushing its roughly one million residents south, then surrounding the city and conducting incursions into residential areas.

Second phase would target refugee camps in central Gaza, much of which has already been heavily damaged by Israeli strikes.

Plan has faced heavy criticism inside and outside Israel. Opposition parties and families of Israeli hostages accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging war to preserve his government and political future.

United Nations and multiple European and Arab leaders warned that implementing the plan could worsen humanitarian crisis and tragedy in Gaza.