Netanyahu Meets Security Officials as Israel Weighs Full Gaza Takeover
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with top security officials to finalize a new strategy for the ongoing 22-month war in Gaza, his office announced on Tuesday. According to media reports, Netanyahu is leaning towards a complete military takeover of the Gaza Strip.
Ceasefire Efforts Collapse Amid Growing Crisis
Despite mounting international pressure to implement a ceasefire due to worsening hunger and dire humanitarian conditions in the besieged Palestinian enclave, recent efforts to negotiate a truce between Israel and Hamas have collapsed.
Gaza’s health ministry reported that eight more individuals died from starvation or malnutrition in the last 24 hours, while 79 others were killed due to Israeli military strikes.
Military Options Presented
Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister held a “limited security discussion” that lasted around three hours, during which Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir outlined the military’s strategic options for continuing operations in Gaza.
A source told Reuters that the meeting also included Defence Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who is a close advisor to Netanyahu. The strategy discussed is expected to be presented to the Israeli cabinet later this week.
Reports Indicate Netanyahu Backs Full Control of Gaza
According to Channel 12 News, citing an official from Netanyahu’s office, the prime minister is leaning toward a plan to take full control of Gaza. This would reverse Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from the Strip, which had left it under Hamas’ control but retained Israeli authority over borders.
It remains unclear whether Netanyahu envisions a long-term occupation or a short-term military operation aimed at defeating Hamas and freeing Israeli hostages. His office declined to confirm the Channel 12 report.
Netanyahu Stands Firm on Military Objectives
Speaking to new army recruits at a military base, Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s goals:
“It is still necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, release our hostages and ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel. We are not giving up on any of these missions.”
Hostage Video Sparks Outrage
On Saturday, Hamas released a video of hostage Evyatar David, one of around 50 captives still held in Gaza. Appearing extremely emaciated in what seemed to be an underground tunnel, the footage shocked Israeli citizens and drew widespread international condemnation.
Israeli authorities estimate that about 20 hostages are still alive, most of whom were taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks. Several hostages have been released during past temporary ceasefires achieved through diplomatic negotiations. However, Israel broke the last ceasefire agreement.
Pressure Tactic or Policy?
A Palestinian official speculated that the reports of a full military takeover could be a tactic to pressure Hamas into making concessions.
In response to the media leaks, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging the international community to take the reports seriously:
“The ministry urges countries and the international community to treat these leaks with utmost seriousness and to intervene urgently to prevent their implementation, whether these leaks are meant to exert pressure, test international reactions, or are genuine and serious.”
Internal Divisions in Israel’s Coalition Government
Israel’s current coalition government is described as the most right-wing and religiously conservative in the nation’s history. It includes far-right politicians who advocate for the annexation of Gaza and the West Bank, and who support policies encouraging Palestinian displacement.
The prolonged conflict in Gaza has also placed severe strain on the Israeli military, which relies on a small standing army and has repeatedly had to mobilize reservists. Throughout the war, military officials have resisted calls for a full-scale occupation of Gaza.
Highlighting internal tensions, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir challenged military Chief Eyal Zamir on X (formerly Twitter), questioning whether he would obey government orders if a decision is made to take over Gaza in its entirety.
Despite such differences, Netanyahu’s office said:
“The Israeli Defence Forces are prepared to implement any decision that will be made by the Political-Security Cabinet.”
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis and Hunger
The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.
Since then, Israel’s military campaign has devastated Gaza. More than 61,000 Palestinians – primarily civilians – have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities.
The bombardment and destruction have displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million residents, causing what international organizations have described as an unfolding famine. According to Gaza authorities, at least 188 people, including 94 children, have died from hunger since the war began.
An Israeli security official, speaking to reporters, acknowledged there may be hunger in parts of Gaza but rejected claims of widespread famine or starvation.
Ongoing Ground Offensive
On Tuesday, Israeli tanks advanced into central Gaza, though it remains unclear if this was part of a larger ground offensive or an isolated maneuver.
Palestinians in the remaining areas not yet under full Israeli control voiced fears about an imminent assault. One local, Abu Jehad, a wood merchant, said:
“If the tanks pushed through, where would we go, into the sea? This will be like a death sentence to the entire population.”
Follow us for more news at Valleynewz.com