Netanyahu agrees on new strategy for Gaza

On Tuesday, the Israeli prime minister's office announced a limited discussion of security issues that lasted 3 hours.

During the meeting, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir presented Netanyahu with options for further action in the Gaza Strip.

According to Reuters, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer also participated in the meeting.

They discussed the strategy, which they plan to submit for approval by the cabinet this week - the meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday.

Israel's Channel 12, citing a source in the prime minister's office, reported that Netanyahu is in favor of full control over Gaza, which effectively means reversing the 2005 decision to withdraw from the enclave.

Such a scenario would involve the return of Israeli military and civilian control in the sector, which could have consequences both for the situation on the ground and for Israel's relations with its allies.

At the same time, it is not yet known whether this would be a long-term occupation or a temporary operation aimed at destroying Hamas and freeing Israeli hostages. The prime minister's office declined to comment on this information.

"It is still necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, release our hostages and ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel," Netanyahu told the recruits during a speech at a military base.

Israel's negotiations with Hamas

Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an expanded cabinet meeting to discuss further action in the Gaza Strip and the terms of a possible agreement on the release of hostages.

At the same time, US President Donald Trump said that, given the failure of the negotiations, Israel would have to decide on further steps in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, the Israeli government called Hamas' conditions for the release of hostages unacceptable.