Defense Minister Israel Katz today approved the Israel Defense Forces' plan to take over Gaza City, calling the operation "Gideon's Chariots II," the Jerusalem Post reported.
The plan was presented to him by Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the military's high command.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, the head of the Military Operations Directorate, the head of the Department for Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, representatives of the "Shin Bet“ (Israeli security agency) and other senior security officials.
The takeover of Gaza City is said to be a continuation of the first "Gideon's Chariots" operation.
To meet the required levels of readiness, the Israeli army has decided to send out about 50,000 call-up orders to reservists, in addition to those already on duty, the "Jerusalem Post" reported.
Preparations were also approved for the evacuation of civilians from Gaza City to the south of the enclave in order to isolate "Hamas" terrorists.
"Operational planning is continuing as usual. "We are determined to implement the cabinet's decision to seize Gaza City unless a framework is presented that includes the release of all hostages and an end to the war under the terms set by the prime minister," a senior official told The Washington Post yesterday.
The approval of the plans comes despite a Hamas-backed proposal that would have included the release of 10 hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire.
As Israel reviews the proposal, officials have signaled that because it does not include the release of all hostages, it is unlikely that Israel will respond positively or begin negotiations based on it.
"Israel's policy is consistent and has not changed. "Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles set by the cabinet for ending the war," a senior political source told the Jerusalem Post. "We are at a decisive stage against Hamas and we will not leave a single hostage."