Netanyahu Pushes for Full Gaza Takeover

Israel’s security cabinet is meeting to decide on a full reoccupation of Gaza, a move pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite opposition from the military, international pressure, and fears for hostages. In a Fox News interview, Netanyahu said, “We intend to” take military control of all Gaza to “remove Hamas” and hand the territory to “civilian governance that is not Hamas and not anyone advocating the destruction of Israel.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised this plan, saying it means “more war, more dead hostages”, and families of some of the 50 hostages still in Gaza have protested, pleading with the government to drop the plan. The operation could take up to five months and would force about a million Palestinians to evacuate to southern Gaza. Aid distribution sites would increase from four to sixteen.

Netanyahu said, “We don’t want to be there as a governing body. We want to hand it over to Arab forces that will govern it properly without threatening us.” The plan aims to pressure Hamas and free hostages but could pause if Hamas returns to negotiations.

Israel already controls about 75% of Gaza after nearly two years of war, but military chief Lt Gen. Eyal Zamir warned a full takeover would trap soldiers inside and risk hostages’ lives. Zamir said, “The culture of debate is an inseparable part of the history of the Jewish people. We will continue to express our position without fear.”