Israel's military has begun implementing the security cabinet's recent decision to defeat Hamas, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after today's cabinet meeting. Israeli media interprets the statement as concerning the planned invasion of Gaza City and its surroundings.
Prior to the meeting, Israeli media reported on expected disagreement regarding the Gaza war. Several top names, including Israel's army chief Eyal Zamir and Mossad chief David Barnea, were expected, according to TV channel Keshet 12, to appeal to stop the ground invasion of Gaza City and instead accept the current proposal for a ceasefire.
The planned Israeli offensive risks the lives of the remaining hostages, they believe. There is no guarantee that Hamas will surrender if Israel enters Gaza City, said a high-ranking security source to the TV channel.
The proposal on the negotiating table involves a 60-day ceasefire during which ten living hostages and remains from an additional 18 will be released. Terror-registered Hamas in Gaza approved the proposal as early as August 18, but from Israel's side, there has been silence.
According to the newspaper Haaretz, today's cabinet meeting was held at a secret location, after Israel's deadly attacks on several Houthi leaders in Yemen on Thursday. Among others, the Iran-backed Houthi movement's prime minister Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in the attacks.
In a deadly blow, the IDF (Israel's military) eradicated most of the Houthi government and several additional military leaders, says Netanyahu after the meeting.
