Israeli security officials report stalled negotiations for the release of hostages, leading to intensified preparations for a major military operation in Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz has been conducting high-level meetings with military leadership to finalize plans, which will be presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon.

Central to the planning is the evacuation of approximately one million civilians from Gaza, a process expected to take several weeks to two months before ground forces move in. The overall operation is projected to last about four months, with the initial goal of establishing control over Gaza within two months.

The military is preparing to call up an additional sixty thousand reservists, bringing the total mobilized to one hundred thirty thousand, though concerns remain about potential fatigue and lower turnout. After securing Gaza, reservists are expected to stay longer to complete clearance operations against remaining Hamas forces and weapons stockpiles.