Israel Limits Gaza Strikes, Netanyahu Rejects US Roadmap Draft

Israel’s public broadcaster, citing military sources, reported that Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has issued instructions to limit offensive operations in the Gaza Strip. The decision followed a statement from the Peace Council that Israel should halt targeted killing operations. The military source added that the army emphasised the move was made under the direction of the political leadership. Meanwhile, Israeli security sources revealed that the military has imposed far stricter restrictions on carrying out targeted killings and attacks in the Gaza Strip. This policy is expected to reduce the number of airstrikes compared to recent months, in line with political developments and the situation on the ground relating to the roadmap for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. Al Jazeera reported that Israeli Army Radio military correspondent Doron Kadosh, quoting security sources, said the Southern Command has tightened the rules of engagement in Gaza. Every targeted killing operation must now receive direct and exclusive approval from Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Previously, until the beginning of last week, such operations only required approval from the regional commander or military division commander. According to the source, this decision reflects a fairly significant shift in the Israeli military’s operational policy in Gaza. Airstrikes are now more tightly restricted than before, meaning the intensity of attacks is expected to decrease in the coming period. Field data also indicates a decline in Israeli military activity in the Gaza Strip, with security sources noting that the army launched only one airstrike in the past 48 hours following days of escalation.