Israel calls up thousands of reservists, plans to expand Gaza offensive amid stalled hostage talks

The Israel Defense Forces said Saturday it will mobilize thousands of reservists in the coming days, in what appears to be an expansion of its offensive in Gaza.

Israel’s military will mobilize thousands of reservists in the coming days, in what appears to be an expansion of its offensive in Gaza as talks aimed at securing a ceasefire languish. The call-up follows reports that the Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Friday presented a plan to intensify pressure on Palestinian militant group Hamas to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan 11, reported that Zamir’s plan included evacuating Palestinian civilians from northern and central Gaza ahead of expanded operations in those areas, mirroring tactics used earlier this year in southern Gaza’s Rafah. Citing unnamed officials, Kan 11 said Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet was expected to approve the plan Sunday. Speaking on Sunday, Zamir said: “This week we’re issuing tens of thousands of orders to our reservists in order to intensify and expand our operation in Gaza. We’re increasing the pressure in order to return our people and defeat Hamas.” The IDF chief added that the military would “operate in additional areas and destroy all infrastructures above and under the ground.”