IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held a discussion with division commanders in the Southern Command, with the participation of additional General Staff commanders, according to the IDF spokesperson. Following the cabinet's decision to take control of Gaza City, the Chief of Staff told commanders that "we are focused on the new plan, we will prepare and execute it in the best possible way. We will deepen the planning and prepare at the highest level. We bear the responsibility for the army's readiness, the security of the state and its citizens, returning the hostages and defeating Hamas."