Israeli tanks are positioned near the Israel-Gaza border, in Israel, March 18, 2025.  (Photo:REUTERS)

However an Israeli defence official said the operation would not be launched before US President Donald Trump concludes his visit next week to the Middle East. The decision, after weeks of faltering efforts to agree a ceasefire with Hamas, underlines the threat that a conflict heaping international pressure on Israel amid dwindling public support at home could continue with no end in sight.

A report by Israel's public broadcaster Kan, citing officials with knowledge of the details, said the new plan was gradual and would take months, with forces focusing first on one area of the battered enclave.

Netanyahu said in a video message Israeli troops would not follow previous tactics based on short raids by forces based outside Gaza. "The intention is the opposite," he said, echoing comments from other Israeli officials who have said Israel would hold on to the ground it has seized.