Israel’s PM Netanyahu wants full Gaza occupation, media reports claim
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly stated that he will seek cabinet support for a plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, despite objections from the military, The Times of Israel reports.
According to the outlet, several Israeli ministers have said that Netanyahu has used the term "occupation of the Strip" in private conversations, describing his vision for expanding military operations in Gaza — "a notable shift in tone as the government prepares to discuss the future of the Gaza campaign."
The media quotes a senior official close to Netanyahu as saying: "The die is cast — we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip."
"There will be operations even in areas where hostages are being held. If the IDF chief of staff doesn’t agree, he should resign," the source added.
The report notes that the Israeli army currently controls about 75% of the Gaza Strip’s territory, but under the new plan, the military would be expected to occupy the remaining areas, bringing the entire enclave under Israeli control.
It remains unclear what such a move would mean for the millions of civilians in Gaza and the humanitarian organizations operating in the enclave.
The Israeli military has publicly opposed the idea of fully seizing the Gaza Strip. The IDF estimates that eliminating all of Hamas' infrastructure could take years and might endanger hostages if troops advance toward where they are being held.
Agreement between Israel and Hamas
Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that due to the failure of negotiations with Hamas, Israel would have to decide on further steps in the Gaza Strip.
Yesterday, August 3, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Hamas does not want an agreement regarding the hostages. He added that he is determined to destroy the group.
Recently, Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff visited Gaza and also met with the families of Israeli hostages. During this meeting, he said that Hamas allegedly expressed readiness for demilitarization (disarmament).
At the same time, he noted that there is no news about progress in the hostage negotiations. He also said he is working together with Israel on a plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip.
