The IDF is advancing preparations for a large-scale mobilization of reservists and an expected expansion of ground operations in the Gaza Strip, including a renewed push into Gaza City, the military announced on Tuesday.
Troops are expected to receive full tactical gear, personal equipment, and weapons tailored to the missions they will be assigned. Concurrently, units have been undergoing extensive training in both urban and open-terrain combat to sharpen their operational readiness.
To support the buildup, the Technological and Logistics Directorate has set up air-conditioned staging areas with access to water, electricity, showers, and toilets. The IDF stated that the infrastructure is designed to provide soldiers with suitable living conditions throughout their deployment period.
At the same time, maintenance and technology teams from Southern Command are operating at forward positions to carry out complex field repairs on armored vehicles, often while under fire.
The Manpower Directorate has expanded its support services for reservists and their families, providing personalized assistance and ongoing logistical support. The military emphasized that it remains committed to fair service conditions and a balanced distribution of responsibilities across units.
Additionally, at least 40,000 IDF reservists reported for duty ahead of the expected invasion, according to numbers from media reports.
Gaza City on the brink
The upcoming operation in Gaza City is considered a critical step in dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure. The city is viewed as the organization’s last significant stronghold and command hub within the enclave.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already approved the IDF’s plan to capture Gaza City and simultaneously authorized renewed hostage negotiations. Officials say the objective is to conclude the conflict in accordance with the principles established by the security cabinet.
Notably, Netanyahu has told both the security cabinet and defense officials that a partial hostage deal is off the table and that he is only interested in comprehensive deals that would end the war on Israel’s terms.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said last week that the army would continue until both of its stated missions are achieved: the return of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas. He added that the military is operating with determination and clear direction.
Over the past several days, Israeli forces have targeted Hamas infrastructure across the enclave in what is widely seen as preparation for a ground assault. At the same time, humanitarian access to Gaza City is being curtailed. Airdrops of aid are expected to end, and civilian evacuations toward the south have been encouraged by the IDF.
As many as 800,000 civilians may be affected by the planned offensive.
Israel has said it will continue to take steps to limit harm to noncombatants, but foreign criticism has mounted. A joint statement by the foreign ministers of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain condemned the plan and specifically rejected the idea of a lasting Israeli presence in Gaza City.
Amichai Stein and Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.