Israeli government approves plan to expand operation in Gaza: Media reveal details

According to an Israeli official in an interview with a local publication, the plan was approved by the government with unanimous support.

Meanwhile, it is expected that the plan will be implemented only after US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East next week.

According to Israeli press reports, by that time, the Israeli government will make efforts to reach an agreement with Hamas militants regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and arrangements for the release of hostages.

An Israeli official shared that the Security Cabinet approved the plan to restore aid supplies to Gaza, reviewing the mechanism to minimize the redirection of goods by Hamas for the benefit of its militants.

It is noted that Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir was the only one who voted against the plan, which will be implemented when the situation in Gaza requires it.

According to Israeli and Arab officials familiar with the matter, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not directly participate in the distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. Instead, the military will be tasked with ensuring external security for private contractors and international organizations assisting.

The Israeli side believes that this method will complicate the redirection of aid by Hamas to its militants, officials said, according to The Times of Israel.

Expansion of Israel's operation in Gaza

Recently, Western media reported that the Israeli military had sent draft notices to thousands of reservists to expand its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, Bloomberg reported on the readiness of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to intensify operations in Gaza, specifying that this could happen within a few days.

On the evening of May 4, it was revealed that Israel might escalate its offensive in Gaza ahead of Trump’s visit to the region.