Netanyahu eyes full Gaza takeover amid soaring famine and death toll
According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu was set to meet with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer on Tuesday to finalize a new strategy in Israel's ongoing 22-month war in Gaza. The decision, sources say, would be presented to the cabinet later this week.
Channel 12 cited an official from Netanyahu's office saying the prime minister is leaning toward complete territorial control of Gaza. Such a move would reverse Israel's 2005 disengagement, when settlers and military were withdrawn while border control was maintained. Right-wing Israeli factions have long criticized that withdrawal as paving the way for Hamas to gain control of the enclave.
While it remains unclear whether Netanyahu envisions a long-term occupation or a temporary operation to dismantle Hamas and recover hostages, his office has not yet commented on the Channel 12 report.
A senior Palestinian official speculated the announcement may be a pressure tactic, while the Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged the international community to respond urgently and treat the reports as serious threats.
'These leaks must be taken with utmost seriousness, whether they are intended to exert pressure, test international reactions, or are actual policy,' the ministry warned.
The move comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, eight more people died from starvation or malnutrition in the past 24 hours, and 79 others were killed by ongoing Israeli strikes.
Since October 2023, the war has claimed more than 61,000 lives, mostly civilians, according to Palestinian health officials.
Israel's war effort has taken a heavy toll on its own military, which has repeatedly mobilized reservists to sustain operations. The Israeli military leadership has reportedly resisted the idea of full reoccupation, citing long-term sustainability concerns.
However, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from within his own far-right coalition, which includes ministers who openly call for the annexation of Gaza and the West Bank, and for Palestinian expulsion.
In a public challenge on X, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called on military chief Zamir to declare that he would obey government orders if a full takeover is ordered.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar defended the military's right to provide professional opinions, while Defense Minister Gallant insisted that any approved policy would be implemented. 'Defeating Hamas and securing the return of the hostages are the central goals of the war in Gaza,' Gallant said. 'All necessary actions must be taken to achieve them.'
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