Israel launches offensive aimed at full occupation of Gaza – Axios

On Monday, Israel’s air force carried out heavy strikes on Gaza City, after which tanks entered the area.

The offensive began just hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior members of his cabinet.

"We have to remember who we're dealing with here — and that is a group of people that have dedicated their lives to violence and barbarism," Rubio said at a briefing with Netanyahu.

Two Israeli officials told Axios that Rubio conveyed the Trump administration’s position to Netanyahu: the US supports a ground operation but wants it executed swiftly and concluded as soon as possible.

"It's not Trump's war, it's Bibi's war, and he will own whatever happens next," the US official said.

Hostage risk

As Israeli tanks advanced toward Gaza, state broadcaster KAN reported that Hamas may use 20 Israeli hostages as human shields against the ground assault.

US President Donald Trump warned Hamas not to harm the hostages.

"I hope the Leaders of Hamas know what they're getting into if they do such a thing. This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don't let this happen or, ALL 'BETS' ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Netanyahu thanked Trump for his "unflinching support for Israel's battle against Hamas and the release of all our hostages."

Skeptical outlook

IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, along with the heads of Mossad, Shin Bet and military intelligence, had previously advised Netanyahu against a ground assault on Gaza. They warned it could:

• endanger the lives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza;

• cause heavy losses for the IDF;

• fail to eliminate Hamas;

• force Israel into direct military administration over Gaza’s two million residents.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement warning that Netanyahu’s decision put lives at risk:

"The 710th night in Gaza may be the last night in the lives of the hostages who are barely surviving, and the last night of the ability to locate and return the fallen for a proper burial. The Prime Minister is consciously choosing to sacrifice them on the altar of political considerations, in complete disregard of the position of the Chief of Staff and the security authorities," the families stressed.

Israel's rationale

Netanyahu’s government says the operation in Gaza and Gaza City is aimed at fully destroying Hamas after its October 7, 2023, invasion of Israel.

The IDF earlier urged one million residents of Gaza City to move south into designated "humanitarian zones." According to the army, about 300,000 Palestinians have already fled.

The prospect of an Israeli ground operation has drawn criticism from the EU, the Arab world (some called for Israel’s suspension from the UN) and within Israel itself, due to risks for hostages and the scale of the military challenge.

Rubio visit and strike on Doha

Israel’s assault on Gaza began after Rubio’s September 14 visit to Israel. During talks with Netanyahu, he discussed Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank in the context of Western nations considering recognition of a Palestinian state.

On September 9, the IDF struck the Qatari capital Doha, targeting Hamas leaders.

The move angered Trump, who called Qatar a "great ally" of the US. However, media reported that Netanyahu had informed Trump beforehand and the US president had approved the strike.