Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early Friday that Israel’s security cabinet has approved a strategic plan to seize Gaza City as part of a full-scale military operation aimed at gaining complete control over the Gaza Strip.
Military Strategy: Targeting Hamas Strongholds and Securing Civilian Evacuations
According to the official statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing to launch a large-scale ground offensive in Gaza City.
While facilitating humanitarian aid for civilians outside combat zones.
Speaking to Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu admitted that current operations have “failed to achieve their objectives.”
Especially in securing hostage releases, and stressed that Israel’s mission is to “defeat Hamas, not preserve it.”
The Future of Gaza City: Transfer to Arab Security Forces
In an earlier interview with Fox News, Netanyahu clarified that Israel does not intend to permanently govern Gaza City.
Instead, the plan is to transfer administrative control to Arab forces that pose no threat to Israeli security.
Cabinet Disputes and Military Warnings
As reported by Israel Hayom, the decision followed 10 hours of heated deliberations, with Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi warning against prolonged occupation, citing reserve force fatigue and the humanitarian fallout of sustained operations.
Israel’s public broadcaster confirmed that cabinet members were divided over the feasibility of long-term control.
Phase One: Siege and Limited Ground Invasion
According to The Jerusalem Post, the IDF’s first objective will be to neutralize Hamas positions within Gaza City, before expanding operations into central refugee camps.
Axios reported that the initial phase includes a citywide siege, combined with the evacuation of civilians to designated safe zones by October 7.
Legal Wording: “Control” vs. “Occupation”
Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that the government is deliberately using the term “control” rather than “occupation” to avoid certain legal obligations regarding civilian governance.
Despite the reality potentially mirroring an occupation scenario.
Political Opposition: “A Disaster in the Making”
Halevi warned that the operation could take up to two years, with significant risks for both soldiers and hostages.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich opposed the absence of a no-ceasefire clause during potential prisoner exchanges, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir objected to ongoing humanitarian aid.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced the plan as a “disaster” that benefits Hamas, and Avigdor Lieberman accused the government of making life-and-death decisions “without proper security evaluation.”
Signs of a Ground Invasion: Satellite Images Show Israeli Troop Build-Up
NBC News, citing U.S. intelligence sources, reported that recent satellite imagery shows Israeli troop concentrations near Gaza’s border, signaling a possible imminent ground invasion.
This follows the “Gideon’s Chariots” military campaign launched in May, which officials admit did not meet its strategic objectives.
Rising Casualties and Palestinian Resistance Warnings
During the campaign, the Israeli army suffered over 40 fatalities and dozens of injuries in June and July. Palestinian resistance groups have vowed that Israel will face a heavy military and political cost if it attempts to fully occupy the Gaza Strip.
Currently, the IDF controls much of Rafah, areas of Gaza Governorate, and parts of the northern Gaza Strip.
World’s Reaction to Israel’s Plan to Seize Gaza City
1. Palestinian Authorities & Civilians
- The Palestinian Foreign Ministry denounced the plan as a “dangerous and illegal escalation,” accusing Israel of transforming the conflict into a campaign of “extermination and forced displacement.”
They called for international pressure to halt Israel’s advance. - Gazan civilians expressed fear and despair from Israel’s plan to seize Gaza city.
One resident warned that famine and displacement are pushing them toward “certain death.”
Read also: President Donald Trump First Statement on Israel Intends to Occupy the Entire Gaza Strip
2. United Nations & Aid Organizations
- The UN rights chief Volker Türk demanded an “immediate halt” to what he described as a full military takeover of Gaza city, signaling growing alarm at the operation’s humanitarian implications.
- The UN humanitarian office (OCHA) strongly criticized Israel’s plan to control aid distribution, labeling it a form of pressure that undermines impartial humanitarian principles.
- Aid agencies echoed this sentiment, warning that such tactics effectively weaponize humanitarian aid.
3. Western & European Governments
- United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the plan as “wrong,” emphasizing that it would only worsen the conflict and urging talks for a ceasefire.
- France and Germany, among others, have pressed for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians, reiterating opposition to forced displacement.
- A coalition of European nations welcomed an Arab-led reconstruction plan that would avoid displacing Palestinians and rebuild Gaza on the basis of humanitarian neutrality.
4. Regional & Gulf Countries
- Turkey criticized the operation as a threat to peace and stability, and accused Israel of undermining regional harmony.
- Qatar and other Gulf states are actively pushing for ceasefire negotiations and calling for humanitarian-focused alternatives.
