Cabinet reportedly set to decide this week on whether to expand Gaza military operations

Israel’s leadership is expected to decide this week whether to widen military operations in Gaza — even at the risk to the hostages — or to give more time for a potential deal, Channel 12 news reports.

According to the report, a divide has emerged within the security cabinet. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Military Secretary Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, and Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs support expanding the war.

On the other side, those reportedly favoring continued efforts to reach a deal include IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Shas leader Aryeh Deri, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, Mossad chief David Barnea, the Shin Bet’s negotiator known by the Hebrew letter “Mem,” and Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, who is overseeing the hostage file for the military.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz remain undecided, according to the report.

Meanwhile, an unnamed senior government official releases a statement to Hebrew media outlets saying that Israel is in contact with the White House, and that “an understanding is forming that Hamas is not interested in a deal.”

Therefore, the official says, “the prime minister is pushing for the release of hostages through military decisiveness,” in conjunction with the entrance of humanitarian aid.

The source does not elaborate on how such a plan would work.