Israel’s security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to seize control of Gaza City, marking an escalation in the country’s military campaign amid mounting global criticism over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory.
The announcement, made by the prime minister’s office, followed an intense cabinet session that stretched over 10 hours and concluded in the early hours of Friday in Israel.
“The Security Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister’s proposal for the defeat of Hamas,” the statement read. “The IDF will prepare for the takeover of Gaza City while ensuring the provision of humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones.”
Ahead of the meeting, Netanyahu hinted at an even broader military ambition, telling Fox News on Thursday that Israel “intends to” take control of the entire Gaza Strip, but without holding long-term authority over it.
“We don’t want to be there as a governing body. We want to hand it over to Arab forces that will govern it properly without threatening us and giving Gazans a good life. That’s not possible with Hamas,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader stressed that the idea of occupying all of Gaza had not been discussed with Unitdd States President, Donald Trump.
“He understands that it’s Israel who is going to do the fighting. It’s not American soldiers,” Netanyahu told Fox when asked if Trump had given his approval. “Well he just says, ‘I know Israel is going to do what it’s going to do,’ and we haven’t gotten into that kind of discussion.”
Hamas swiftly responded, accusing Netanyahu of revealing the true reason behind Israel’s withdrawal from ceasefire negotiations.
“Netanyahu’s statements represent a blatant reversal of the negotiation process and clearly expose the real motives behind his withdrawal from the latest round of talks, despite us nearing a final agreement,” the group said in a statement.
“Netanyahu’s plans to escalate the aggression confirm, without any doubt, that he is seeking to dispose of his captives and sacrifice them in service of his personal interests and extremist ideological agenda,” Hamas added.
The Hostage Families Forum also urged the cabinet to return to the table and strike a deal that would ensure the safe return of those still held in Gaza.
“We are appealing to the cabinet — the expansion of the fighting is a danger of death and immediate disappearance for our loved ones, look us in the eye when you choose to sacrifice them,” the group said.
Earlier this week, two sources told ABC News that Netanyahu had decided to move forward with a plan for the Israel Defense Forces to fully conquer and occupy Gaza.
A separate readout from the prime minister’s office confirmed the matter had been discussed during a three-hour limited security cabinet session on Tuesday.
“The IDF is prepared to implement any decision made by the Political-Security Cabinet,” the statement said.
On Sunday, an Israeli official told ABC News that Netanyahu was pushing to broaden the operation because he believed Hamas had no real interest in agreeing to a new hostage-release arrangement.
When asked about the potential escalation, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce was cautious, saying Tuesday, “Reporting is one thing. Real plans might be another. We are not in the business of interpreting statements from foreign governments when and if they’re made.”
“We do remain focused on freeing the hostages, including the remains of two Americans, and ensuring that Hamas never rules Gaza again,” Bruce added.
