Katz Announces Call-Up of Reserve Soldiers to Implement "Gaza Occupation" Plan

Israeli Defense Minister, Yisrael Katz, announced on Wednesday the call-up of a large number of reserve, regular, and compulsory service soldiers to participate in the ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip. This decision comes amidst escalating tensions and events in the region, with the aim of achieving a set of objectives clearly defined by the Israeli leadership.

Details of the Call-Up and Stated Goals

During a security meeting, Katz explained that Israel is calling up its "heroic soldiers" to "secure the release of hostages, defeat the Hamas movement, and end the war according to the conditions set by Israel." In another meeting with the Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, at the Southern Command headquarters in Be'er Sheva, Katz discussed the army's operational plans related to the "operation to take control of Gaza City and create the conditions to end the war." These statements clearly indicate that Israel plans to intensify its military operations for full control of the Strip.

Opposition Reactions and Humanitarian Plans

Katz's decision did not go without strong reactions, particularly from the Israeli opposition leader, Yair Lapid. He sharply criticized the plan to enlist 60,000 reserve soldiers, calling it an "illusion of occupying Gaza." Lapid expressed his dissatisfaction with the current government's policies, stating it is "the worst government in the country's history" and that it "differentiates between blood." In his sharp remarks, he added: "With one hand, it encourages evasion, and with the other, it doubles the burden. We will not win the war with them," referring to some groups continuing to evade military service while the burden on others increases.

In a related context, the "Times of Israel" newspaper indicated that the Defense Minister also approved preparations to evacuate about one million civilians from Gaza City to the southern part of the Strip. The newspaper reports that the army currently controls 75% of the Gaza Strip's area, in an attempt to put more pressure on Hamas to conclude a prisoner and hostage exchange deal.