Netanyahu on the brink of ordering full occupation of Gaza

Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly told ministers he will seek cabinet backing for a plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, despite objections from senior officials within the Israel Defence Forces.

Reports in Israel suggest the Prime Minister told ministers who would press ahead with  “occupation of the Strip” and would expand military operations in Gaza.

The IDF currently controls over 75 percent of the Gaza Strip, but under the new plan, the military would be expected to occupy the remaining territory leaving the entire enclave under Israeli control.

The Ynet news site also quoted a senior official close to Netanyahu as saying, “The die is cast — we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip.”

The same official was quoted as saying:”“There will be operations even in areas where hostages are being held.”

The Israeli cabinet had been scheduled to hold a  meeting on Tuesday.  But instead, a limited security consultation was set to take place with the Chief of Staff to discuss the latest developments in Gaza.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is among those believed to oppose the plan to occupy Gaza. Some reports suggested he was ready to resign over the matter.

Along with hundreds of former security chiefs Zamir is said to fear the plan to fully occupy Gaza puts the lives of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in serious danger.

Despite seriously damaging the military capabilities of Hamas since October 7 2023, military chiefs are also concerned it would take years to fully clear all the terror group’s infrastructure.