Translated with AI
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved a military operation to capture Gaza City, the enclave's largest settlement, Kan TV reported.
The operation was dubbed "Gideon's Chariots 2." "After its completion, Gaza will change its appearance and will never be the same again," the defense minister declared.
According to Israeli media, an early recruitment of reservists has begun in preparation for the offensive. Ynet reported that approximately 80,000 reserve draft notices will be issued starting August 20, ahead of the originally planned deadline.
Earlier, on August 18, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced the transition to the next phase of Operation Gideon's Chariots, which began on May 16, 2025. At this stage, the headquarters is developing plans for a ground offensive on Gaza City.
As reported, on the night of August 8, the Israeli political-military cabinet approved a plan to establish control over the city. It calls for the evacuation of civilians from combat zones and the provision of humanitarian aid. According to IDF estimates, approximately 1 million residents are expected to relocate to the southern part of the Strip by October 7.
The Israeli government has identified five principles for ending the war:
— complete disarmament of the Hamas movement;
— return of all hostages;
— demilitarization of the Gaza Strip;
– ensuring Israeli control over the security of the enclave;
— the creation of an alternative civilian government not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian National Authority.
According to the latest data, the Israeli army controls approximately 75% of the Gaza Strip. The remaining territory, including Gaza City itself and several refugee camps in the central areas, was previously avoided in military action due to the risk to the lives of the hostages being held.
