JERUSALEM, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army's Southern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Tal Russo on Friday night declared areas in immediate proximity to the Gaza Strip a "closed military zone," according to a military statement.
Russo issued a warrant ordering closing down the three main traffic arteries on the Israeli side of the border, including roads No. 232, 10 and 4, the statement read.
It added that the warrant will remain in effect until further notice.
The move raised speculation that an Israeli ground offensive in Gaza is imminent.
The Israeli cabinet is now considering a request for 75,000 reserve troops ahead of a possible operation in Gaza.
On Thursday, the cabinet approved 30,000 reserve troops, and the military mobilized 16,000 on Friday.
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