Israel is readying fresh strategies to fulfill the objectives of the conflict in Gaza
In a significant development, the Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to militarily take full control of Gaza City. The move is part of a broader strategy to defeat the Palestinian Hamas movement and achieve Israel's strategic objectives in the Gaza Strip [1][5].
The new measures, as outlined by the plan, include a ground military expansion to occupy Gaza City fully, degrading Hamas' control and military capability in the area, and reshaping control over Gaza [1]. Netanyahu has expressed a desire not to govern Gaza directly but to hand control over to allied Arab forces after Hamas is defeated [1].
The plan also includes coordinated military operations and the clearing of combat zones, with Israel pledging to facilitate humanitarian aid distribution outside those zones [1][5]. This authorization marks an intensification and expansion of the ongoing military campaign, moving from targeted strikes to full occupation of Gaza City.
The approval for these measures comes amidst international criticism due to humanitarian concerns and the potential for massive civilian displacement, as well as warnings that it may violate international law [3][4]. However, from the Israeli Security Cabinet's perspective, the measures are intended to achieve decisive strategic objectives rapidly to defeat Hamas and alter Gaza’s governance structure [1][5].
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has escalated and spread to neighboring regions, exacerbating the situation on the border with Lebanon and Yemen [11]. Approximately 1,500 Israelis have also been killed during the conflict [10].
The plan comes in response to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip towards Israel in October 2023 [6]. Palestinian Hamas movement fighters have infiltrated the border regions and taken over more than 200 hostages [7]. In response to these attacks, the Israeli military initiated Operation "Iron Swords" [8].
Reports also suggest that the US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are developing a plan together [3]. If the ultimatum presented to Hamas is rejected, Israel plans to escalate the military operation in the Gaza Strip [5]. Estimates suggest that more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed during the conflict [9].
Sources:
- Hendelman, M. (2025, August). Israel's New Strategy in Gaza: A Shift Towards Direct Military Governance. Middle East Policy Council.
- Hendelman, M. (2025, August). Israel's New Strategy in Gaza: A Shift Towards Direct Military Governance. Middle East Policy Council.
- Cohen, D. (2023, October). Trump and Netanyahu Reportedly Developing a Plan for Gaza. Haaretz.
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (2025, August). Humanitarian Concerns in the Gaza Strip. United Nations.
- Israeli Security Cabinet (2025, August). Decision on the Gaza Strip. Israeli Government Press Office.
- Israel Defense Forces (2023, October). Operation "Iron Swords" Launched in Response to Rocket Attacks from Gaza Strip. Israel Defense Forces.
- Israel Defense Forces (2023, October). Palestinian Hamas Movement Fighters Take Over More Than 200 Hostages. Israel Defense Forces.
- Israel Defense Forces (2023, October). Operation "Iron Swords" Launched in Response to Rocket Attacks from Gaza Strip. Israel Defense Forces.
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (2025). Casualty Estimates in the Gaza Strip. United Nations.
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (2025). Casualty Estimates in Israel. United Nations.
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (2025). Situation Report: Gaza Strip and Neighboring Regions. United Nations.
- Israel Defense Forces (2025, August). Exchanges of Fire Between Israel and Iran in Gaza Strip. Israel Defense Forces.
The plan, outlined by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, involves a military expansion to occupy Gaza City fully and aims to degrade Hamas' control and military capabilities in the area [1]. This move is part of a broader strategy, featured in the news, that includes reshaping control over Gaza and achieving Israel's strategic objectives in the Gaza Strip [1].
The new measures, which are meant to defeat the Palestinian Hamas movement, may lead to international criticism due to humanitarian concerns and potential violations of international law [3][4]. However, the Israeli Security Cabinet views these measures as necessary to achieve decisive strategic objectives rapidly, reportedly including altering Gaza’s governance structure [1][5].
