Military officials said to warn that occupying Gaza would lead to heavy IDF casualties

Military officials believe that if Israel proceeds with plans to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, it will lead to heavy casualties among Israeli troops, the Kan public broadcaster reports.

The defense officials estimate that “dozens” of soldiers could be killed, and a large number would be wounded in the operation, Kan reports.

They also warned of the risk that conquering the full breadth of the Gaza Strip would pose to the remaining hostages, as until now the IDF has refrained from operating in areas where they are believed to be held.

According to Kan, the officials believe that the hostages could be killed either intentionally by their captors if the IDF approaches or inadvertently by Israeli troops.

The IDF is widely reported to be at odds with the political leadership over the next steps to take in Gaza, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to be set on moving forward with occupation, while Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is reportedly recommending that the IDF take a more gradual approach and encircle Gaza City instead.

Netanyahu was said to have shot him down and told him to prepare plans for the occupation of the Strip.