"Strategic Trap": Gaza occupation gamble that could backfire on Israel

Al Bawaba

2 days ago

ALBAWABA - Israel's top security officials have voiced unanimous opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, warning it could trap the military in a costly, years-long conflict and endanger the lives of Israeli hostages.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the 10-hour Security Cabinet meeting on Friday was marked by heated exchanges, with chiefs of the security agencies agreeing there were 'better alternatives' to achieve the government's stated goals.
The sharpest clash came between Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, who reportedly described the plan as a 'strategic trap' that would exhaust the army and jeopardize hostage safety. Several ministers also challenged Zamir over his stance.
National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi told the meeting he could not back an 'all or nothing' approach after seeing recent images of emaciated Israeli captives. 'I'm not willing to give up the chance to save at least 10 hostages,' he said, adding that a ceasefire could open the door to a negotiated release.
Manpower Shortages and Operational Strain
The Wall Street Journal cited Israeli officials as saying that manpower shortages pose a major obstacle to controlling Gaza. Retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi argued that a rapid takeover would require multiple divisions with tens of thousands of troops, favoring instead a gradual approach to ease the strain.
The paper also reported that some army reservists have threatened not to return to Gaza if recalled, citing exhaustion from the nearly two-year war.
The New York Times reported that senior military figures fear the plan will put hostages in greater danger. Retired General Gadi Shamni warned that occupying Gaza would not return the captives or force Hamas to disarm. 'Military pressure will not only fail to bring them back—it will kill them,' he said.
Shamni added that such a move would deepen the suffering of hostage families, harm Israel's international image, weaken its economy, and strain ties between the army and the government. Establishing effective military control and weakening Hamas, he warned, could take years.
Despite the opposition, the Security Cabinet approved the plan, which calls for Israeli forces to seize Gaza City in the devastated north, while distributing humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones.
Netanyahu's office said the objectives include disarming Hamas, returning all hostages—alive and dead—imposing long-term Israeli security control over the Strip, and establishing a new civilian administration unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
The Israeli military currently occupies or operates in roughly 75% of Gaza, running most operations from fixed positions inside the enclave or from the border.
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