Gaza: Israel Moves to Occupy Gaza — Security Council Backs Netanyahu’s Plan
The Israeli Security Cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to occupy the Gaza Strip, a decision that could mark a major escalation in a conflict that has already lasted nearly two years. The cabinet’s approval, announced by Netanyahu’s office, came on Friday and signals an intention to move beyond limited operations toward full control of Gaza — a step the prime minister says is necessary to dismantle Hamas.
Netanyahu has publicly stated that Israel aims to “destroy” Hamas by occupying Gaza and that, after doing so, control of day-to-day governance would be transferred to allied Arab countries. He framed the move as both a security imperative and a plan to restore normal life for civilians in the territory. Yet this roadmap has sparked intense controversy inside Israel and abroad.
Within Israel, the government’s decision has met with significant opposition. Protesters gathered outside the Security Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem to voice their concerns, and many ordinary citizens — including families of Israeli hostages — fear that a wider offensive will only endanger lives further. There are already around 20 Israeli hostages whose fate could be imperiled if fighting spreads or intensifies, and many relatives worry that renewed large-scale operations would reduce the chances of a safe return.
Senior military figures have also voiced strong reservations. Several former top commanders have publicly criticized the plan, arguing that a full occupation would deliver limited strategic gains while exposing Israel to a prolonged and costly military quagmire. Their warnings suggest that, rather than bringing a quick resolution, an occupation could entangle Israel in extended conflict with severe humanitarian and security consequences.
The intensification of Israeli operations has already placed millions of Palestinians in Gaza in grave danger, raising alarm among humanitarian groups and foreign governments. Israel currently exerts control over large parts of Gaza, but a declared occupation would represent a dramatic shift in policy and could increase Israel’s diplomatic isolation on the global stage. International reactions to the plan are likely to be mixed, but many countries and organizations have expressed concern about civilian suffering and the broader regional impact.
One of Israel’s top military leaders, Army Chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, reportedly warned that an occupation could further jeopardize the hostages’ safety. At the same time, critics argue the operation risks undermining Israel’s international standing and could deepen regional tensions.
In short, while the Security Cabinet’s approval marks a decisive step toward occupation, the move is deeply contested — politically, militarily, and morally — and could reshape the conflict’s trajectory with long-term consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians.