Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant has approved a 'tactical pause' in military activity along a specific route in southern Gaza to facilitate the distribution of aid, as confirmed by an Israeli military spokesperson. The decision to implement the pause was made in response to a request from a source seeking clarification on the authority behind the move.
The Israeli agency responsible for approving aid into Gaza, COGAT, along with the Southern Command, typically initiates such decisions before seeking higher-level approval based on the prevailing circumstances.
When questioned about whether such a decision necessitates approval from the Israeli government or cabinet, the spokesperson clarified that it does not always require cabinet approval and, in this instance, was sanctioned by the minister of defense.
However, an Israeli official revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed dissatisfaction upon learning of the 'tactical pause.' The official, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed that Netanyahu promptly contacted his military secretary to convey his disapproval, insisting that the fighting in Rafah must continue before he could accept the pause.
