Israel’s military has conducted all necessary preparations to take Rafah, which it deems the last Hamas bastion in the Gaza Strip, and can launch an operation the moment it gets government approval, a senior defense official told Reuters on Wednesday.
The IDF is preparing to begin the ground operation in Rafah “very soon,” beginning with a massive evacuation of over a million Palestinians, Kan 11 reported Tuesday evening, citing two American officials.
Palestinians will reportedly be required to evacuate in the next four to five weeks to tent complexes that international aid organizations have set up.
The plan for the Rafah operation has been presented to American officials as well as other agencies in the region, KAN noted. According to the plan, the operation will move forward in stages, based on a regional division of the Gazan city into defined areas.
At each stage, the IDF will inform the local population before they advance into each area so the local population can evacuate before the IDF moves forward.
Shin Bet head, Chief of Staff discussed Rafah op. with Egyptian officials
Shin Bet head Ronen Bar and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi met with the head of Egyptian Intelligence and the Egyptian Chief of Staff in Egypt on Wednesday to discuss the planned IDF operation in Rafah, Walla reported on Wednesday.
The IDF has announced on Wednesday that it recruited two reserve brigades to continue the defense and attack mission in the Gaza Strip under the command of Division 99.
The 2nd Reserve Brigade of the 146th Division and the 679th Reserve Brigade of the 210th Division will be transferred from the north of Israel, at the Lebanon border, to the Gaza Strip. Before their transfer, they are continuing combat training in the North.
Process for approving the plan
The IDF approved the latest plan for the Rafah operation at the beginning of this week after three previous plans were suggested. The US government has expressed firm opposition to an operation in Rafah 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,” the official stated.
Amid the preparations for the Rafah operation, government officials reportedly continue to discuss potential changes to Israel’s side of the hostage deal negotiations to ensure the deal’s advancement.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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