The Israeli occupation army announced the launch of the next phase of Operation "Gideon Chariots 2" in the Gaza Strip, explaining that the operation includes a ground maneuver advancing toward the heart of Gaza City.

Israeli media quoted the occupation’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, as saying that the army had begun a decisive operation in Gaza, affirming that "Israel" had entered a crucial stage of military operations. Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Lapid stated: "I have never in my life heard of a military operation without a political goal... A state cannot fight a battle that may last an entire year without clear objectives, but with our government, anything is possible."

For his part, the head of the "Yisrael Beiteinu" party, Avigdor Lieberman, considered that Prime Minister Netanyahu is willing to sacrifice the prisoners, Israel’s strategic relations, and the economy, just to remain in power.