Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet at 6 p.m. Thursday at his office in Jerusalem, according to the Prime Minister’s Office, where it is expected to approve fresh plans for the continuation of the war in Gaza.
During a three-hour security discussion among a smaller group on Tuesday, Netanyahu was presented with options for continued military operations in the Gaza Strip by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The cabinet is reportedly expected to approve a full military occupation of the Strip during Thursday’s meeting, despite Zamir and army officials warning against it.
Military officials believe that if Israel proceeds with the plan, it will lead to heavy casualties among Israeli troops, the Kan public broadcaster reported Wednesday. The defense officials estimate that “dozens” of soldiers could be killed, and a large number would be wounded in the operation, Kan reported. Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and in military operations along the border with the Strip stands at 459. The toll includes two police officers and three Defense Ministry civilian contractors. (Read More)
