CNN has confirmed, citing an Israeli official and informed sources, that Israel is preparing for a possible large-scale ground offensive on Gaza, involving tens of thousands of soldiers aiming to occupy significant parts of the territory.
The network indicated that this attack is among multiple scenarios under consideration by the Israeli government amid intensified attacks on Gaza, aimed at pressuring Hamas to release more Israeli captives without ending the war.
Egypt and Qatar are increasing efforts to revive a ceasefire agreement. One source indicated, “Leaks about a large ground offensive are part of an Israeli tactic to increase pressure on Hamas at the negotiation table.”
The report highlighted that Israel previously indicated readiness to halt attacks if Hamas agrees to release captives. However, the Israeli army, led by new Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, has been preparing for weeks to launch a large-scale operation in Gaza.
Eyal Hulata, former head of Israel’s National Security Council, told CNN, “If prisoner negotiations do not resume, the only alternative is the continuation of fighting. There are serious plans in place.”
CNN mentioned that the Israeli army had previously conducted limited ground incursions into Gaza during the ongoing conflict but withdrew after days or weeks, allowing Hamas to reorganize in evacuated areas.
One of the scenarios under consideration involves expelling Hamas forces from large parts of Gaza and maintaining occupation to prevent their return, possibly leading to a long-term occupation and a prolonged insurgency.
The report detailed that “the potential offensive could include five Israeli military divisions, totaling around 50,000 troops.”
Retired Israeli General Israel Ziv told CNN, “The Israeli government is escalating pressure to force Hamas back to negotiations on Israeli terms,” but warned, “escalation could lead to a point of no return, placing Israel in an intractable quagmire.”
Israeli officials stated the army has already begun preparations for a significant offensive by retaking half of the Netzarim Corridor, dividing northern Gaza from the rest, and reinforcing positions in both northern and southern areas.
On Sunday, the Israeli government approved establishing an agency to facilitate “voluntary transfer” of Palestinians from Gaza to third-party countries, although no nation has yet agreed to receive them.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set the destruction of Hamas as a primary war objective, promising “absolute victory.” Yet, military expansion faces internal opposition, with most Israelis preferring an agreement ensuring captive release instead of ongoing war.
Hulata commented, “What we will witness is a permanent Israeli military presence combating insurgency on the ground, with no alternative but to assume responsibility for humanitarian aid.”
CNN emphasized that Israel has blocked all humanitarian aid to Gaza since early March, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
General Ziv pointed out that continued occupation “is not in Israel’s interest, at least currently,” noting, “Some extremists in government, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, might support this, but it doesn’t represent optimal Israeli policy right now.”
An Israeli Democracy Institute poll from March 9 showed approximately 75% of Israelis favor an agreement with Hamas to end the war in exchange for releasing all captives.
Released Israeli captives and families of those still held warned that resuming war in Gaza would endanger hostages’ lives. However, some allies of Netanyahu within the governing coalition demand full-scale war rather than negotiations.
CNN reported Netanyahu’s aides bet that U.S. President Donald Trump would support extensive military action more than former President Joe Biden, who had paused certain arms deliveries to prevent a significant Israeli offensive in southern Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz hinted at expanding ground operations, affirming in a statement, “The longer Hamas refuses, the more territory it will lose to Israel.”
