From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
IDF bolstering Southern Command troops, calling up reservists, as PM warns ceasefire will end if hostages not freed Saturday
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Following a fresh assessment, the IDF says it is further bolstering forces in the Southern Command after Hamas said it would postpone the release of hostages.
The military describes the bolstering of troops as “extensive” and says it includes calling up reservists.
“The reinforcements of troops and mobilization of reservists are being carried out in preparation for various scenarios,” the IDF says.
It makes the announcement as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will resume “intensive fighting” against Hamas if hostages are not released by noon on Saturday.
The military raised its level of alert yesterday in the Southern Command, anticipating a possible return to fighting in the Gaza Strip if the ceasefire-hostage deal falls apart.
