Reports indicate that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the military to prepare for potential distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, according to Channel 12, an Israeli television outlet. The directive appears to focus on the readiness of logistics, operational procedures, and manpower essential to manage aid delivery, a task that has largely been handled by international organizations up to now.
In this development, the IDF Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, reportedly expressed strong concerns about the plan. His objections centered on the safety and health risks faced by soldiers involved in such operations, highlighting the potential exposure of troops during aid distribution as a major consideration.
Separately, Egyptian authorities suggested that Netanyahu might be attempting to influence the ongoing mediation efforts coordinated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to ease the situation in Gaza. The report implies a push to shape mediation dynamics during a critical phase of the crisis.
On September 2, Netanyahu reportedly ruled out the option of withdrawing Israeli troops from the Gaza-Egypt border, indicating a continuation of a persistent security posture at that frontier.
Earlier in Tel Aviv, a rally in support of hostages drew a large turnout, with estimates indicating that hundreds of thousands of Israelis attended to express solidarity and demand action for those held. This public display occurred amid ongoing debates about strategy and humanitarian responses in the region.