Overview
- Times of Israel reports that the IDF has prepared plans to launch renewed operations in March directed toward Gaza City to move the demarcation line west and expand controlled territory.
- An unnamed Arab diplomat quoted by the outlet said Israel would not proceed without explicit U.S. approval and support.
- Washington is described as prioritizing preservation of the October 2025 ceasefire and advancing a second‑phase plan focused on disarming Hamas.
- A diplomatic source said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubts disarmament will succeed and instructed the military to prepare contingency options.
- The Wall Street Journal separately reported new Israeli ground operation plans, with Israeli officials cited as saying there are no immediate deployment orders and that leaders will first allow time for the U.S. plan.