Netanyahu Has Decided on Full Occupation of Gaza Strip: Reports

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) should push to fully occupy the besieged Gaza Strip, including operating in areas where hostages are being held, according to multiple media reports. The prime minister's office also conveyed a message to Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the army's chief of staff, saying, "If this does not suit him, you should resign," according to EuroNews and i24's diplomatic correspondent, Amichai Stein. Newsweek reached out to Netanyahu's office for comment via email on Monday.

Israeli media reported that the Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to come to a formal decision on the matter.The Israeli prime minister's reported decision comes after months of ceasefire talks between his government and Hamas, with both sides accusing each other of repeated violations. Israel has also faced increased international pressure to reach a ceasefire deal as Hamas released videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages being held in Gaza, which the group said was the result of Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid to the war-torn territory.

The videos had a significant impact on the Israeli public and sparked protests by thousands on Saturday night and calls for a ceasefire deal. It was one of the largest turnouts for the weekly protests in recent months. Johann Wadephul (CDU), Federal Foreign Minister, with Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, for a meeting in Jerusalem Netanyahu said after the videos were released that he would convene a Cabinet meeting to discuss how Israel can meet the three main goals he set out for the war.

defeating Hamas, returning the hostages and ensuring Gaza doesn't pose a threat to Israel. But the prime minister has faced opposition, including from within his own country, to increasing the IDF's operations in the Gaza Strip. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its counteroffensive in the territory following Hamas' devastating October 7, 2023, attack that claimed the lives of as many as 1,200 Israelis, most of whom were civilians. The Times of Israel, citing Israeli media, reported that Netanyahu told ministers in the last day that he will seek the Cabinet's backing of a plan to fully occupy Gaza.