Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz approved operational plans for the continuation of the war on Gaza on Tuesday during a visit to the Gaza Division headquarters in southern Israel. He was accompanied by his deputy, Tamir Yadai, Southern Command Commander Yaniv Asor, Gaza Division Commander Barak Hiram, and 252nd Division Commander Yehuda Fayah.

In remarks made at the time, Katz said, "I came here today to see the fighting and the preparations of the IDF forces up close in the field, in preparation for the decision-making process that will follow."

"Our main goal now is to return all the detainees to their homes, and if Hamas continues to refuse, it will pay an increasingly heavy price through the seizure of territory, the thwarting of operations, and the destruction of infrastructure, until it is completely defeated," he added.