Despite political disputes, Netanyahu orders acceleration of Gaza occupation

OCCUPIED PALESTINE, Aug. 21 (YPA) –  Hebrew Channel 12 reported Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to visit the southern region today to formally approve a military plan for the occupation of Gaza City.

As part of this move, the Israeli occupation military has reportedly called up around 60,000 reservists to launch the first phase of the operation, dubbed “Operation Gideon’s Chariots 2”.

According to Netanyahu’s office, he has ordered a reduction in timelines for taking control of Hamas strongholds and defeating the militant group.

In a related development, The New York Times quoted an Israeli military official who said the army is preparing for a “gradual, precise, and targeted operation” in and around Gaza City.

The source noted that the offensive would include areas of the city that Israeli occupation forces have not previously entered or held during the war, which began on October 7, 2023.

Meanwhile, the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported tensions between the Israeli military and the political leadership over the naming of the operation “Gideon’s Chariots 2,” which was seen as a signal from the Chief of Staff that this is not the large-scale offensive previously approved by the government.

@E.Y.M