Tel aviv: The Israeli army is set to call up 60,000 reservist soldiers to engage in operations in Gaza City as part of an occupation plan, local media reported.

According to Anadolu Agency, the decision by the army follows the approval of the occupation plan by Defense Minister Israel Katz. The Israeli public broadcaster KAN stated that the plan includes extending the presence of regular troops currently operating in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli army radio revealed that the total number of reservists within the army will increase to 130,000. This mobilization is in preparation for what is described as ‘a prolonged operation that will last several months’ and is expected to continue until mid-2026.

Earlier reports from Channel 12 on Tuesday indicated that emergency draft orders, known as Order 8, have already been issued by the army. The process of mobilizing the soldiers will commence on September 2, with the Cabinet slated to discuss the occupation plan in the coming days, as reported by Yedioth Ahronoth daily.

On August 8, Israel’s Cabinet gave its approval to a plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to gradually reoccupy the Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City.