Netanyahu pushes for full occupation of Gaza Strip
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to occupy the entire Gaza Strip on Monday evening, according to multiple Israeli media outlets, including The Times of Israel and The Jerusalem Post.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have reportedly been authorised to launch a full-scale assault on the besieged enclave, including areas where Israeli hostages are still being held by Hamas.
According to reports, Netanyahu’s office informed IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir that he could resign if he did not support the plan.
The army has previously expressed strong opposition to a full occupation of Gaza, warning it could take years to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and would put the lives of hostages at risk. “Such an operation poses significant risks to the lives of the hostages,” critics said.
Media reports earlier suggested that Netanyahu was already leaning towards expanding the offensive and taking complete control of the Strip, citing a senior government source.
Far-right ministers, including Itamar Ben-Gvir (National Security) and Bezalel Smotrich (Finance), have backed the move. Chief of staff Zamir and Foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar, however, are said to favour negotiating a ceasefire in exchange for, among other things, the release of hostages.
The security cabinet will meet on Tuesday. The liberal Haaretz newspaper reports that Netanyahu will discuss expanding the offensive there.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu © PHOTO RONEN ZVULUN / POOL / AFP
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