Netanyahu set to push for major expansion of Gaza offensive, reports say

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told ministers in the past day that he will seek cabinet backing for a plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, despite objections from within the IDF, Hebrew media reports.

Several ministers reportedly said Netanyahu used the term “occupation of the Strip” in private conversations describing his vision for the expansion of military operations in Gaza — a notable shift in tone as the government prepares to discuss the future of the Gaza campaign.

A senior official close to the premier is quoted in Ynet 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,” they add.

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. It is unclear what such a move would mean for the Strip’s millions of civilians and humanitarian groups operating in the enclave.

The IDF has said it opposes taking over the whole Strip, with the army assessing it could take years to clear all Hamas infrastructure. It could also put hostages in danger of being executed should troops approach where they are being held.

Netanyahu said earlier today that he would convene the cabinet to order the IDF on how to proceed with the war effort, with some believing the premier could ask the army to hold back in order to give hostage talks a chance to percolate.

Yesterday, Channel 12 reported that a divide had emerged within the security cabinet on the issue, with the premier and Defense Minister Israel Katz allegedly remaining undecided.

Of those in favor of expanding Gaza operations were 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.

On the other side, those reportedly favoring continued efforts to reach a ceasefire-hostage deal included 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.