Israel's Prime Minister, Netanyahu, allegedly intends to seize control of the entire Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to initiate a full occupation of Gaza City, marking the first phase of a broader offensive that could extend to occupying the entire Gaza Strip. This decision, approved by Israel's Cabinet on August 7, 2025, has sparked debate within the Israeli government and concerns from the military leadership.
The demands of right-wing extremist and ultra-religious parties in the governing coalition, such as the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, the deportation of the Palestinian population, and the establishment of Jewish settlements, are controversial and have not been publicly endorsed by Netanyahu. These demands, if implemented, would be highly contentious and could escalate tensions in the region.
The Israeli military, currently controlling around 75% of the Gaza Strip, is reportedly worried about the potential risks of approaching hostage locations too closely. The military estimates that there are still 50 hostages in the hands of Hamas, of whom 20 are believed to be alive. The military leadership has expressed concerns about the elimination of all Hamas tunnels and bunkers in the Gaza Strip, stating it could take years.
Netanyahu is reportedly willing to take the risk of military operations in areas where hostages are being held, despite these concerns. However, if the Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, is not agreeable to this plan, he is reportedly expected to resign. Zamir has reportedly had heated discussions with ultra-right ministers about these demands in previous security cabinet meetings.
The media reports suggest that there is a divide within the Israeli government regarding the full occupation of the Gaza Strip and the actions to be taken regarding the hostages and the Palestinian population. Months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to achieve a ceasefire and release the last hostages have not yielded any results.
Netanyahu has been silent during these discussions, but it is clear that he is determined to gain the support of his cabinet and the military leadership for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip. Hamas, which seized power in the Gaza Strip 18 years ago, is not ready for a negotiated solution, according to Netanyahu.
[1] Source: Israeli Cabinet Approves Plans for Full Occupation of Gaza Strip (August 7, 2025)
War-and-conflicts and politics are at the forefront of current general news, as the Israeli government's decision to initiate a full occupation of Gaza City sparks debate within the cabinet and concerns from the military leadership. These divisive demands from right-wing extremist and ultra-religious parties on Occupation, deportation, and settlement construction have not been publicly endorsed by Prime Minister Netanyahu but remain controversial issues in the Israeli government and media.
