Netanyahu Pursues Potential Annexation of Entire Gaza Strip According to Reports
In a significant development, Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, marking a shift in the country's approach to the Gaza Strip following recent conflicts. This decision comes amidst an ongoing 22-month-long war between Israel and Hamas.
The approval indicates a formal and serious intention to establish control in Gaza City, although the specifics of the occupation across the entire Gaza Strip and operational plans remain undisclosed. According to reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking the backing of his cabinet and military leadership in this endeavour.
The Israeli military currently controls around 75% of the Gaza Strip, an area roughly the size of Munich. However, there are still parts of the Gaza Strip under Hamas control, where hostages believed to be held are located. Israeli military officials have expressed fears that hostages could be endangered and killed if Israeli troops approach their locations.
Netanyahu's government has officially approved a plan for the occupation of Gaza City, which may imply an expansion of Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip. Yet, no comprehensive confirmation about the full occupation of the entire Gaza Strip has been explicitly stated as of August 2025.
Months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to achieve a ceasefire and free the hostages have yielded no results. According to Israeli estimates, there are currently still 50 hostages in the hands of Hamas, of whom 20 are believed to be alive.
The Israeli military leadership has expressed concerns about the complete elimination of Hamas tunnels and bunkers in the Gaza Strip, a task that could take years. If the Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, is not in agreement with the full occupation, he is reportedly expected to step down.
Media reports suggest that Zamir has had heated discussions with ultra-right ministers in previous security cabinet meetings. The same ministers have also demanded the deportation of the Palestinian population to other countries and the establishment of Jewish settlements in the coastal strip.
The news portal "ynetnews.com" reported that an official close to Netanyahu said, "The die is cast - we intend to fully occupy the Gaza Strip." Despite this, Netanyahu has remained silent during these discussions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly willing to take the risk of military operations in areas where hostages are being held. It remains to be seen how this decision will unfold and what impact it will have on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
- The decision to occupy Gaza City by Israel's security cabinet is a reflection of the country's shift in approach to the Gaza Strip, occurring within the context of war-and-conflicts and general-news.
- The occupation of Gaza City, which has been approved by Netanyahu's government, may signal an escalation of Israeli politics in the Gaza Strip, falling under the broader category of war-and-conflicts and general-news.
