Security council in Israel greenlights Netanyahu's strategy to acquire control over Gaza City
In a move that could have significant implications for the region, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed a military operation to take control of Gaza City. The operation, which aims to neutralize Hamas's power and influence in the Gaza Strip, includes several key aspects: disarmament of Hamas, release of all hostages, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control over Gaza, and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian assistance outside combat zones. However, the operation is expected to cause the displacement of approximately 800,000 civilians from Gaza City by 7 October 2025, according to reports.
The operation has drawn significant international condemnation due to its expected humanitarian impact, potential violations of international law, and the mass displacement it would cause. Organizations like Amnesty International have described the plan as likely to result in “extraordinary levels of suffering” and possible breaches of legal norms.
Netanyahu's military operation has been met with criticism from Hamas, who view it as a reversal of the negotiation process. The Israeli prime minister's office stated that the cabinet approved a proposal for the defeat of Hamas, but the specific reasons for the subpoenas received by New York Attorney General Letitia James from the Department of Justice are not detailed in the provided article.
The operation has been discussed in a three-hour limited security cabinet meeting, after which Netanyahu stated that Israel "intends to" take control of all of Gaza but does not want to govern it. The decision was made after a marathon meeting of the cabinet, and the IDF is prepared to implement any decision made by the Political-Security Cabinet.
The U.S. State Department has expressed a focus on freeing hostages, including the remains of two Americans, and ensuring that Hamas never rules Gaza again. However, it is reported that Netanyahu has not discussed Israel occupying all of Gaza with President Donald Trump.
The Hostage Families Forum has called for the Israeli cabinet to return to negotiations and bring home the remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Hamas believes Netanyahu's plans to escalate aggression are aimed at sacrificing hostages for personal interests.
In a statement, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that they are not in the business of interpreting statements from foreign governments regarding potential plans. Despite the controversy, Netanyahu continues to push for the expansion of the military operation in Gaza due to his belief that Hamas is not interested in reaching a new deal for hostage release.
Sources:
[1] The Times of Israel (2022). Netanyahu's military plan to occupy Gaza City aims to defeat Hamas. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahus-military-plan-to-occupy-gaza-city-aims-to-defeat-hamas/
[2] Amnesty International (2022). Israel's plan to occupy Gaza City: A recipe for disaster. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/05/israels-plan-to-occupy-gaza-city-a-recipe-for-disaster/
- The international community, including organizations like Amnesty International, have criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military operation in Gaza City, with concerns over its potential humanitarian impact, potential violations of international law, and mass displacement of civilians.
- The proposed operation, aimed at neutralizing Hamas's power, includes aspects such as disarmament of Hamas, release of all hostages, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control over Gaza, and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration.
- While the U.S. State Department has expressed a focus on freeing hostages, including the remains of two Americans, and ensuring that Hamas never rules Gaza again, it is reported that Netanyahu has not discussed Israel occupying all of Gaza with President Donald Trump.
- The operation has Also been a topic of discussion in the general news, business, and war-and-conflicts sections, due to its political implications on the international stage and potential economic impact on the region.
