The Nahal Brigade, an elite unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has been strategically deployed to the Rafah region within the Gaza Strip. This deployment serves as a clear indication of the impending ground invasion, despite objections from the United States and other Western allies of Israel.
Sources within the Israel defense ministry have revealed that the Yuftah Armoured Brigade and Carmeli Infantry Brigade, previously stationed in Northern Gaza, have been redirected to Central Gaza in order to pave the way for the Nahal Brigade's entrance into Rafah.
Notably, the Nahal Brigade has a history of involvement in ground invasions, having operated in both the Central Gaza Strip and the Khan Younis area, which is recognized as a Hamas stronghold.
Insiders suggest that once the Israeli government makes a political decision regarding operations in Rafah, the Nahal Brigade will spearhead the ground offensive.
According to IDF reports, there are currently six remaining Hamas battalions in the Gaza Strip, with four of them positioned in Rafah. The military has assured the Israel war cabinet of completing all necessary preparations to seize control of Rafah and is poised to launch the operation pending government approval.
Simultaneously, high-ranking Israeli officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, have held discussions in Egypt with intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and Chief of Staff Osama Askar. Egypt has expressed apprehension over the potential consequences of an attack on Rafah, foreseeing civilian casualties and a significant refugee exodus, given Rafah's proximity to the Sinai region of Egypt.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi has conveyed his concerns regarding the situation in Rafah during recent talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Cairo.
Israeli intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet, have underscored the importance of the Rafah operation in achieving a decisive victory against Hamas, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed the nation's commitment to advancing with a ground operation, albeit without specifying a timeline.
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