Katz approves military plans for Gaza City offensive

By Emanuel Fabian

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20 August 2025, 8:20 am

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Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other military and defense officials meet at Katz's office in Tel Aviv, August 14, 2025. (Shira Keinan/Defense Ministry)

Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the military’s Gaza City offensive plans, which were presented to him last night by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior officers.

The offensive is dubbed ” Gideon’s Chariots B,” following a previous operation of the same name, which saw the IDF take over 75% of the Strip’s territory in an attempt to pressure Hamas into a hostage deal.

A security source says Katz praised the IDF’s plan and preparations during the meeting, which came after the government instructed the military to capture Gaza City.

Some 60,000 reservist call-up orders are being issued by the IDF for the offensive, which was approved by Katz. The defense minister also approved “humanitarian preparations” for the estimated one million Palestinian civilians who are set to be displaced from Gaza City to the Strip’s south.