Israel prepares for ‘intensified phase’ of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ in Gaza

By Said Amori and Alperen Aktas

JERUSALEM/ISTANBUL (AA) - Israel is preparing to launch an “intensified phase” of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” in the Gaza Strip by deploying thousands of additional soldiers, according to the official broadcasting authority KAN.

The report, citing unnamed political sources, said the new phase aims to seize and maintain control of more territory in northern and central Gaza, in parallel with the forced displacement of large numbers of Palestinians toward the south.

“The goal is to reach new areas inside Gaza as part of a ground maneuver largely reliant on aerial assaults,” the sources said.

The escalation follows a wide-ranging ground assault launched Sunday, marking the operational implementation of “Gideon’s Chariots,” which includes the full evacuation of Palestinians from combat zones.

The Israeli military currently operates with five divisions in Gaza—Divisions 98, 252, 143, 36 and 162—alongside the elite Nahal and Golani brigades.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would continue the war in Gaza, admitting in a video posted on Telegram that foreign pressure led him to allow humanitarian aid into the enclave.