JERUSALEM [MENL] -- About 45,000 troops and police have been assigned to carry out the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank and evict their 10,000 residents.

Officials said many of the soldiers would be comprised of reservists mobilized for the withdrawal, scheduled for August. They said 17 reserve battalions have been summoned.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said the operation was expected to last no more than four weeks and begin within 48 hours of the Aug. 15 deadline. Mofaz said the military would seek to complete the withdrawal as quickly as possible.

"The army will remain for several weeks afterwards to complete the evacuation of its bases and complete its redeployment in Israel," Mofaz said.