Israel continues preparations for operation a Rafah, in the far south of the Gaza Strip, expected “very soon”, according to media reports. A senior Israeli security official told Reuters that the Israeli army was ready to immediately launch an operation in Rafah and was only waiting for the political green light.
The plan for the ground offensive has been presented to American officials and other agencies in the region, reports the Israeli broadcaster Kan: it will proceed in phases, based on a regional division of the city into defined areas. At each stage and for each area, the army (IDF) will inform the population before advancing so that civilians can leave shelters and homes in time.
The armed forces announced that they had mobilized two brigades of reservists to return to southern Gaza and “continue the defense and attack mission in the Strip” under the command of the 99th Division. The 2nd Reserve Brigade of the 146th Division and the 679th Reserve Brigade of the 210th Division will be moved from northern Israel to the border with Lebanon.
The IDF approved the latest plan for the Rafah operation earlier this week, after three previous plans were suggested. The US government has expressed firm opposition to an operation in far southern Gaza without a credible plan to protect civilians. “We are preparing to establish a joint operation with the United States. We understand the concern, but we will not be able to complete the mission without entering Rafah, which could also help relieve pressure on the hostage issue,” an official said.
Meanwhile, Axios reported citing three senior Israeli officials, yesterday morning the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, and the Israeli chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, visited Egypt and met with the head of Cairo’s intelligence and other key officials to discuss the upcoming offensive. Egypt, which borders Rafah, has warned Israel against entering the city where more than a million displaced Palestinians live, having fled from other areas of the Strip due to the bombing.