JERUSALEM: Israel has initiated an unprecedented response to a multi-front Hamas offensive originating from Gaza, mobilizing an astounding 300,000 reservists, a move signaling a shift towards an offensive strategy. Rear-Admiral Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesperson, delivered this significant update on Monday.
In the aftermath of the surprise, assault launched on Saturday, Israeli air forces have relentlessly targeted key sites within Gaza, while ground troops have been engaged in fierce battles to regain control of border villages and towns that had been overrun by Palestinian gunmen.
Rear-Admiral Hagari confirmed that control over these communities had been successfully restored, albeit with sporadic skirmishes persisting due to pockets of active gunmen. During a televised briefing, he stated, "We are currently conducting extensive search and clearance operations in all affected areas."
Initially, Israeli military authorities had emphasized the priority of securing the nation's border before contemplating any substantial escalation of their counter-offensive within Gaza. However, Hagari's announcement now indicates a decisive shift in strategy.
JERUSALEM: The mobilization of 300,000 reservists signifies an unprecedented scale of response, prompting speculations about the possibility of an impending invasion, although official confirmation of such plans remains elusive. "We have never called upon such a vast number of reservists in this manner before," Hagari emphasized, underscoring the gravity of the situation. "We are unequivocally transitioning to the offensive."
In addition, Hagari acknowledged media reports that on the Israeli side of the border, approximately 700 individuals, including 73 confirmed members of the security forces, have tragically lost their lives. He also noted that the Israeli military had engaged and neutralized hundreds of Palestinian gunmen during their operations.
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