From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
After limited security meeting, sources say PM set on full occupation of Gaza, despite knowing it will endanger hostages
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Following a limited security meeting to discuss military plans for Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heavily leaning toward occupying the Palestinian enclave, an unnamed source familiar with the details tells the Kan Public Broadcaster.
Other Hebrew-language news outlets, including Ynet and i24 News, carry similar reports, all quoting anonymous sources.
Today’s meeting was attended by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz, along with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
The IDF currently holds control over approximately 75 percent of the Gaza Strip, but under the new plan, the military would be expected to occupy the remaining territory as well, bringing the entire enclave under Israeli control.
One source tells Kan that the government is aware that the military campaign to gain full control over Gaza will likely endanger the remaining hostages, of whom 20 are believed to be alive.
The report says that the IDF and the defense establishment remain opposed to the plan, in part because it puts the hostages in danger of being executed by their captors should troops approach where they are being held.
According to Channel 12, the plan will be submitted to the full security cabinet for approval on Thursday.
The Prime Minister’s Office says in a brief statement that Netanyahu “held a limited security discussion today that lasted about 3 hours, in which the chief of staff presented the options for continuing the campaign in Gaza.”
“The IDF is prepared to implement any decision made by the security cabinet,” the statement adds.
The Times of Israel Community.