Tens of thousands of IDF reservists called up for expanded ops in Gaza, expected to follow Trumps Middle East trip
Israeli plans to “significantly deepen” its military operations in Gaza after failed truce talks with Hamas, but the upcoming offensive will likely wait until after President Trump’s tour of the Middle East this month.The Israel Defense Forces called on tens of thousands of reservists to mobilize Saturday night, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s authorization of expanded operations in Gaza during an hours-long security meeting Friday.The plans were expected to be voted on Sunday by the full cabinet.“As long as Hamas does not release our hostages, we will significantly deepen our military action,” an Israeli official told Ynet after the meeting.The soldiers are expected to report for duty this week, according to reports.Some reservists may be sent to other Israeli fronts including Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank, to fill in for Israeli military who will be re-deployed to the Strip, the Times of Israel reported.The Israel Defense Forces also signaled that the operation would be carried out in phases, according to the Jerusalem Post.The planned offensive likely won’t occur until after Trump’s visit to the Middle East on May 13 for meetings with Gulf leaders, The Times of Israel reported.In his first official foreign trip, Trump is expected to present his vision for US involvement in the region, touching on issues related to investments, weapons sales and artificial intelligence at a summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Axios reported.
He’s also expected to visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.Israel is not on Trump’s itinerary because a hostage and cease-fire deal isn’t imminent, the outlet reported.Israel is also aiming to allow more time for hostage negotiations.Netanyahu’s office on Friday denied reports that Israel rejected a hostage-ceasefire deal proposal proposed by Egyptian mediators, and insisted that Hamas terrorists have remained the obstacle since their surprise attack on Oct.
7, 2023.The prime minister reiterat...