“Israel” is preparing to implement a “major plan” outlined by the occupation military’s new chief of staff, Major General Eyal Zamir, regarding the Gaza Strip, Israeli daily Haaretz reported on Saturday.
According to the report, Zamir’s plan involves a large-scale ground offensive in Gaza, utilizing several divisions and a significant number of reserve units, under the belief that it may finally achieve the goal that “Israel” has failed to accomplish for nearly a year and a half since the last war: the complete destruction of Hamas’ authority and military capabilities.
The paper suggested that “Israel” is gradually revealing its true intentions, signaling a large-scale step toward the occupation and full control of Gaza. While negotiations appear unlikely to yield results, “Israel” is preparing the ground for a major military escalation.
Simultaneously, Haaretz noted that right-wing factions in the Israeli government are pushing for the return of settlements in Gaza and for the forced expulsion of Palestinians, which would be presented as “voluntary migration” with the backing of US President Donald Trump.
According to security sources cited by Haaretz, while “Israel” is leaving the door open for a potential phased deal, which could include the release of prisoners, political pressure from the government to expand the fighting is likely to lead to further escalation without any agreement being reached.
Trump’s boundless support
Regarding the United States’ role, families of captives in Gaza holding US citizenship have reportedly been informed by Trump administration officials that the president is prepared to offer his support to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a large-scale ground invasion.
According to the families involved in the talks, Trump has no intention of pressuring Netanyahu to return to the deal-making process or advance a peace plan. They pointed out that “communications have come to a complete standstill at this stage, and expectations for reaching another agreement are bleak.”
Israeli journalist Amit Segal, who is familiar with Netanyahu’s government, said that Netanyahu is preparing to make a “complete game-changing move” with full backing from Trump, as cited by Yedioth Ahronoth.
Reservists want out
In light of the possibility of an expanded war on Gaza and its threat to the lives of prisoners and Israeli soldiers, Haaretz emphasized that discussions over military reserves are heating up once again. For the first time in a while, reserve soldiers—including pilots and navigators in the Israeli Air Force—are considering ending their voluntary service in response to the developments.
The Financial Times reported that concerns are mounting over the Israeli military’s capacity to sustain prolonged warfare. Historically, “Israel” has engaged in short, decisive wars—often lasting only days or weeks—to limit the strain on its reservists, who supplement the regular army.
With no clear resolution in sight, both military analysts and reservists are warning of increasing attrition, as personal and professional lives remain indefinitely disrupted.
Meanwhile, opposition to Netanyahu’s government has been growing, particularly regarding his decision to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet security service, Ronen Bar. Haaretz reported that this constitutional crisis over Bar’s dismissal, along with Netanyahu’s intention to fire the government’s legal adviser, Gali Beharev Miara, will merge with the growing debate over the nature of the war in Gaza.
“It is difficult to rule out the possibility that this is the direction Netanyahu desires—facing strong opposition on multiple fronts, escalating tensions with his adversaries, and attempting to achieve his ultimate goal: remaining in power while delaying his criminal trial,” Haaretz concluded.
Source: Al Mayadeen