Israeli Security Cabinet Unanimously Approves Expansion of Military Operations in Gaza

Israel's security cabinet unanimously approved overnight into Monday a plan to expand operations in the Gaza Strip, sources familiar with the discussion said. The ministers also approved, in principle, a framework for the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza via foreign companies.

The ministers were briefed on a phased plan that includes, as a first stage, the capture or takeover of additional areas throughout the strip and the expansion of the buffer zone held by the IDF, an effort intended to provide Israel with additional leverage in its negotiations with Hamas.

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar was absent from the cabinet meeting and sent his deputy in his place.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said on Sunday that the IDF will "operate in additional areas and destroy all infrastructure above and below ground," during a visit to a naval commando unit base.