TEL AVIV/GAZA/ISLAMABAD — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest move to expand military operations in Gaza has sparked alarm at home and abroad. His controversial plan to take over Gaza City—approved by the Israeli security cabinet after a 10-hour meeting—signals the start of what many fear could become a full-scale occupation of Gaza, home to over 800,000 Palestinians, most of whom are already displaced.
While Netanyahu’s office avoided the word “occupation,” military analysts and international observers view the strategy as a de facto bid for control. The operations, which would require recalling thousands of reservists, could take months and risk further civilian casualties in a war that has already claimed over 61,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The plan is drawing harsh criticism. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the move “wrong” and urged Israel to reverse course. Domestically, public sentiment is shifting. Polls indicate most Israelis support a ceasefire deal with Hamas to release the remaining 50 hostages, around 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Israel’s military leadership is also warning of dangerous consequences. Army Chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly told Netanyahu that entering Gaza would be “walking into a trap”—jeopardizing hostages and further destabilizing the region. Families of the captives fear their loved ones could die in an expanded assault, either by Hamas or friendly fire.
https://facebook.com/RepublicPolicy
Critics argue that Netanyahu is prolonging the war to keep his far-right coalition intact. Ministers like Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who openly promote “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from Gaza, have threatened to collapse the government if the war ends.
https://tiktok.com/@republic_policy
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu claimed Israel does not wish to govern Gaza permanently, suggesting it might be handed over to “Arab forces”—though no specifics were provided. Notably, he refuses any post-war role for the Palestinian Authority.
https://instagram.com/republicpolicy
Observers say Netanyahu’s lack of a clear post-war vision and growing resistance—domestically and internationally—could further isolate Israel diplomatically while deepening the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
