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IDF to launch ‘never before seen’ Gaza offensive: Netanyahu

Netanyahu threatens Hamas, warns that the Israeli military is preparing to unleash a wave of operations “unlike anything seen before.”

By Lauren Marcus, World Israel News

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that the IDF will launch missions and ramp up operations against the Hamas terror group in Gaza in the near future, pledging that the fighting will reach previously unseen levels of intensity.

Netanyahu visited a group of wounded IDF soldiers who are members of a forum advocating for the total destruction of Hamas.

“Within days, things are going to happen in Gaza,” Netanyahu was reported by Hebrew-language media as telling the troops. “Things will happen that you have never seen before until now.”

Netanyahu added that Israel is “giving a chance” for a deal that would see the return of the hostages. However, if no such agreement comes to fruition, the IDF will resume fighting Hamas “to the end.”

Hebrew-language media outlets quoted Netanyahu as pledging that Israel will “occupy” Gaza and assume “permanent” security control over the Strip.

While Netanyahu’s remarks about the imminent escalation were scant on details, an anonymous political official reportedly elaborated on Israel’s strategy.

“The plan includes… seizing and holding territory in Gaza, moving the Gazan population southward for their protection, preventing Hamas from distributing humanitarian aid, and launching powerful strikes against Hamas – all actions that will help bring about its defeat,” a senior source told the Jerusalem Post.

In recent weeks, Israel has signaled that it will dramatically expand its operations in the coastal enclave should Hamas continue to hold Israeli hostages.

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The Israeli government announced that Hamas has until the end of President Donald Trump’s diplomatic visit to the Middle East – scheduled to conclude this Thursday, May 15 – to reach a deal. If Hamas refuses, the IDF will escalate its offensive against the terror group.

The military recently called up 60,000 reservists who will presumably take part in the operation.