Report: Occupation Mobilizes Over 130,000 Soldiers in Preparation for Second Invasion of Gaza

Translation by SadaNews - This Tuesday morning, approximately 60,000 reserve soldiers in the Israeli occupation army began heading to service, joining over 70,000 who were previously called up, following the extension of mobilization orders for an additional forty days. This military mobilization comes as part of the occupation's preparations to execute a new incursion into the city of Gaza, as reported by the Hebrew newspaper Maariv. 

The Hebrew report, as translated by SadaNews, indicated that the occupation forces suffered heavy losses in their previous attempt to control the city of Gaza, with more than 100 soldiers killed and dozens injured, reflecting the complexity faced by the army in a densely populated urban combat environment, interspersed with a network of tunnels and high buildings, alongside the preparations of the Palestinian resistance that have bolstered their defenses and planted explosives, deployed snipers, ambushes, and military vehicle response teams.

According to Maariv, the occupation army plans to carry out the operation in two phases: the first is to encircle the city and evacuate its residents, and the second is to invade it with special military teams. Estimates suggest that the operation could take months, not days or weeks, in light of field complexities and concerns about the treatment of detained prisoners, which may limit the use of air and artillery strikes and force the occupation to rely on precision weapons.

At the same time, the Israeli security establishment is witnessing sharp disagreements between military leaders, the head of the occupation government, and some ministers, as many security officials believe it is necessary to exhaust the negotiating path before proceeding with an incursion into Gaza. An increasing number of soldiers and officers have begun to question the objectives and implications of the operation, especially given the repeated incursions into areas such as Rafah, Khan Younis, Jabalia, and Beit Hanoun, which have been invaded multiple times without achieving decisive results.

In conclusion, Maariv asks: "Is the Israeli army preparing to enter and occupy Gaza for the second time? Will it succeed in changing the reality and presenting a picture of victory? Most likely not. Why? For a simple reason: in December 2023, a Hanukkah menorah was lit in Palestine Square in Gaza. A week later, an Israeli army spokesman took journalists to the basements of Shifa Hospital, and the bombardment of Hamas' parliament building in Gaza City was broadcast worldwide. Now, it will simply be hard to find the right site for a victory photo."